Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Odisha is stepping up efforts to protect women from domestic violence and dowry-related harassment, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida calling for stronger coordination among government agencies and frontline workers to create safer homes across the state.
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The state-level orientation programme, organised by the Women and Child Development Department in Bhubaneswar, focused on improving awareness and implementation of laws dealing with domestic violence and dowry. The programme brought together officials and field-level personnel involved in supporting women in distress.
Addressing the gathering, Parida stressed that women need to be aware of their legal rights so they can seek help when facing violence, discrimination or harassment. She said the goal of building a “Dowry-Free Odisha” and “Domestic Violence-Free Homes” would require sustained awareness, effective implementation of the law and cooperation among different departments.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged officials to ensure that women who approach authorities receive timely protection and access to legal assistance, counselling and other support services. She also emphasised the importance of making the support system responsive so that women in difficult situations do not have to struggle to access help.
The programme included participation from Protection Officers, police personnel, One Stop Centres, Shakti Sadans, District Legal Services Authorities and other officials working at the district level. Their coordinated role is expected to strengthen the support available to women and improve the response to cases of domestic violence and dowry-related offences.
The initiative reflects a broader focus on women’s safety, dignity and empowerment. By combining legal awareness with timely support and stronger coordination at the grassroots level, Odisha is seeking to create an environment where women can speak up against abuse and access assistance without fear.
The emphasis is ultimately on making homes safer and ensuring that women know their rights and have dependable support when they need it most.
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