Banswara: In a pioneering initiative, girl students from government schools in Amarthun, Banswara, are stepping forward as brand ambassadors for women’s safety, fostering a new wave of awareness and empowerment across the region.

Spearheaded by the Kali Bai Balika Kalyan Samiti and the Student-Police Centre (SPC), this unique program, known as the 'Suraksha Sakhi Awareness Fortnight,' is making a significant impact by educating girls and women about personal safety, legal rights, and self-defense.

The initiative, which is currently underway in the Gram Panchayat of Amarthun, is part of a broader effort to create a safer environment for women and girls. The program aims to enhance the self-reliance of girls and equip them with the tools they need to protect themselves and others. The move aligns with the government's focus on ensuring safety for all citizens, especially women and children, through targeted campaigns and outreach programs.

Arun Vyas, the Principal Officer of the Government Senior Secondary School, Amarthun, explained that women’s safety has been given the highest priority in this initiative.

He emphasized that the campaign coincides with the Navratri festival, during which traditional ceremonies like 'Kanya Pujan' (a ritual honoring young girls) and 'Aarti' are being used to symbolize the significance of safeguarding women. Through these rituals, the campaign stresses the importance of recognizing the value of girls and ensuring their security.

Alongside these cultural activities, the school administration, has also introduced self-defense training sessions for both girls and women, aimed at increasing awareness about their rights and personal safety. The program is not limited to education alone; it is part of a larger state-wide campaign to create a secure and supportive atmosphere for women in every community.

Girls as Brand Ambassadors for Change

A particularly innovative aspect of the campaign is the appointment of government school girls as brand ambassadors for women’s safety. Selected girls, from each class and village ward, have been trained to lead awareness programs within their communities. These young ambassadors are tasked with disseminating critical information on safety measures and government schemes aimed at supporting women.

To ensure the program’s success, experienced female teachers, including Raina Ninama and Pragya Adhikari, have been appointed as in-charge and assistant in-charge, respectively. These teachers, after receiving specialized training, oversee the operations of the 'Garima Box' and 'Garima Portal.' Both platforms offer a safe and confidential space for girls to discuss issues related to personal safety, legal rights, and social concerns.

The program also holds weekly sessions under the 'Maa Ki Seekh' (Mother’s Guidance) initiative, where topics such as 'good touch and bad touch,' the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, menstrual hygiene, sanitary napkin usage, and iron supplementation are addressed.

Special focus is also placed on raising awareness about government welfare schemes like 'Palanhaar,' 'Aapki Beti Yojana,' and other flagship programs introduced by the Chief Minister.

Community Policing and the Role of Suraksha Sakhi

In addition to their role as educators, the brand ambassadors are also supported by the establishment of a Student-Police Centre (SPC). This collaborative effort between the police and school students is designed to extend the campaign’s reach, ensuring that key legal information about women’s rights is accessible to everyone in the community. Under this program, Community Policing Centre (CPC) officers, along with the 'Suraksha Sakhi' members, conduct regular workshops and seminars to inform girls and women about legal protections available to them, including laws related to domestic violence and sexual harassment.

Raina Ninama, the campaign in-charge, explained that the program is slated to run until October 20. She noted that selected 'Suraksha Sakhis'—the brand ambassadors—are actively visiting homes within their assigned areas to spread awareness about women’s safety. They are also collecting feedback from women, including any concerns or suggestions, and relaying this information to local police authorities to ensure that the community’s voice is heard.

The campaign’s success is evident in the impressive numbers it has reached thus far. To date, the initiative has raised awareness about women’s safety among 492 women and 653 girls in the Amarthun area. Through this grassroots-level engagement, the 'Suraksha Sakhi' program is not only educating women but also creating a network of young leaders who are capable of fostering change within their own communities.