Bhubaneswar: State govt on Friday asked govt and non-govt aided colleges, and public universities to implement the Shaktishree initiative by identifying a woman faculty member to serve as the ‘Sanjojika’ (coordinator) for the purpose.
Higher education director Kaliprasanna Mahapatra wrote to the registrars of all state public universities and the principals of all govt and non-govt aided colleges to immediately nominate the woman faculty member who will be responsible for guiding, mentoring, and coordinating the efforts of the ‘Shaktishree Empowerment Cell’ and liaising with the relevant authorities. As part of Shaktishree, govt aims to empower girl students and ensure their safety and well-being.
“The Shaktishree Sanjojika should be a student-friendly female faculty member with demonstrated experience, interest, and commitment in the areas of gender equity, student welfare, empowerment, and social justice. She should have strong leadership, organisational and communication skills, along with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and external stakeholders. She should promote gender sensitivity and awareness among students through regular sessions and campaigns,” read the letter.
“She should conduct or organise training, workshops, seminars and events on self-defence, health awareness, legal literacy, life skills and ethical values as per the calendar to foster positive values supporting girls’ rights and empowerment. She will facilitate access to support services for women in distress, including providing them with proper help and legal assistance in coordination with local authorities. She can ensure a gender-inclusive learning environment and promote respectful, safe, and inclusive workplaces free from bullying and bias,” it added.
A ‘Sanjojika’ can mentor ‘Shaktishree Saathis’ and student volunteers to lead peer engagement activities. She can liaise with ‘Shaktishree Apa’, local authorities, NGOs and service providers for awareness and support services.
She will organise events commemorating important national and international days related to women’s rights, safety and empowerment through creative and participatory platforms such as debates, street plays, skits, poster-making, and slogan writing. She can plan and implement regular activities aligned with the objectives of the initiative.
She will submit timely reports, success stories and impact documentation to relevant authorities. The college and university authorities have been requested to identify the Sanjojika and assign responsibility by Aug 4.