Leh, Sept 11: Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh, Ghulam Mohd (JKAS), said women’s empowerment is essential for social and economic development as he inaugurated a two-day training programme for Women Helpline functionaries at the DC Office, Leh, on September 10.
The programme has been organised by the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, with support from the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). It aims to build the capacity of frontline workers to provide timely and empathetic support to women in distress.
Speaking at the inaugural session, the ADC urged women to make full use of government welfare schemes and proposed linking a designated police officer directly with the Women Helpline to ensure swift response in cases of violence and abuse.
Earlier, Ms. Sonali Kumari, Assistant Director of the Savitribai Phule National Institute, described Mission Shakti as a mission of hope, help, and change. She underlined the importance of strengthening professional skills among helpline staff so that survivors receive immediate and compassionate care.
The first day of training featured sessions led by Dr. Kimneihat Vaiphei, Associate Professor at NIMHANS, and Ms. Rigzen Angmo, PhD Scholar at NIMHANS. Participants were trained in basic counselling, active listening, confidentiality, trust-building, and sensitive response mechanisms. Sessions also explored the psychological impact of trauma, focusing on anxiety, depression, and stress management.
Participants were introduced to the LIVES Model—Listen, Inquire, Validate, Ensure Safety, and Social Support—and the four Fs of stress response: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn. Role plays and interactive exercises provided hands-on practice in handling sensitive cases with professionalism.
The training will conclude on September 11 with advanced modules and demonstrations designed to further enhance the Women Helpline’s outreach and effectiveness.
Attendees included representatives from the One Stop Centre, Women Helpline, Hub for Empowerment of Women, NIMHANS, and the Savitribai Phule National Institute, underscoring a collective commitment to creating a stronger support system for women across Ladakh.
