Leh, Feb 08: A district-level convergence conference to improve coordination among government departments and community institutions for women’s protection and welfare was held at the DC Conference Hall here on Saturday.
The conference was organised by the One Stop Centre (OSC), Leh, under the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, as part of Mission Shakti of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
Representatives of the Police Department, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), District Hub for Empowerment of Women, women associations, religious bodies, Self Help Groups, frontline workers and members of community and social organisations participated in the programme. Male representatives from community groups also took part in the discussions.
Officials said the One Stop Centre, Leh, established in 2018, provides integrated services to women facing violence and distress in both public and private spaces, including legal aid, medical assistance, police facilitation, psychological counselling and temporary shelter.
Awareness sessions focused on emerging concerns such as financial abuse, cyber bullying, domestic violence and abandonment. The Women Police Department briefed participants on reporting mechanisms and preventive measures.
Officials also highlighted cases in which extra-marital relationships have resulted in emotional, financial and physical abuse of spouses and called upon religious and social institutions to play a more active role in protecting women’s rights.
Representatives of women associations shared community-level challenges and support initiatives, while raising concerns over women’s land entitlement and limited participation of women in family and community decision-making.
Male participants from community organisations drew attention to wider social issues, particularly the growing problem of drug abuse, and noted that several cases involve young girls, including minors as young as 14.
The District Legal Services Authority briefed participants on legal remedies under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Domestic Violence Act, citing case-based examples and stressing the importance of timely reporting and community vigilance.
The District Hub for Empowerment of Women underlined the role of frontline workers in identifying vulnerable women and linking them to counselling and welfare services.
The programme concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony against child marriage under the Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat Campaign, followed by an interactive session to improve coordination among departments and community stakeholders.
Officials said women in need of assistance can approach the One Stop Centre in Leh directly or contact the Women Helpline at 181. Referrals can also be made through police, hospitals, courts, government departments, non-governmental organisations, as well as family and community members.
