The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PHULBANI, JANUARY 24, 2025
In a significant step toward empowering young girls, Kandhamal district observed National Girl Child Day with a district-level stakeholder consultation meeting held at Gandhi Smruti Bhavan, Phulbani. Organized by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in collaboration with Humara Bachpan Trust (HBT), the event focused on eradicating child marriage and ensuring a safe, progressive future for girls.
The gathering drew around 200 participants, including government officials, child protection experts, students, community members, and representatives of various organizations. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Phulbani graced the event as the chief guest, alongside the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Protection Officer (PO), members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), and District Child Protection Officer (DCPO).
The consultation emphasized a collective, coordinated effort to make Kandhamal a child-marriage-free district. Humara Bachpan Trust, in partnership with Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF), is driving this mission through the “Access to Justice” program. Launched in June 2024, the initiative operates in 50 villages across five Gram Panchayats in Raikia, Tikabali, Phiringia, and Phulbani blocks, addressing issues like child marriage, trafficking, and child labor.
Engaging activities such as Mehendi design, fancy dress, quizzes, and other competitions were held to involve school and college students, with winners receiving prizes to celebrate their talents. The event also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” campaign with a signature drive to promote education and protection for girls. A millet stall added a health-conscious touch, offering nutritious snacks to participants, especially young girls.
In a heartfelt moment, five exemplary girls were honoured for outstanding achievements in sports, academics, performing arts, and community initiatives to combat child marriage. Their stories served as an inspiration for all attendees.
The event concluded with a resounding commitment from stakeholders to work together to eliminate child marriage and create a safer environment for children in Kandhamal.
