Andhra Pradesh Prioritising Women's Safety and Empowerment: Sailaja
She added that officials have been instructed to take stringent action to prevent child marriages and to engage in community outreach to educate the public about its harmful consequences. District officials accompanied the chairperson during her visits to Nandyal and Kurnool.
Kurnool: State Women’s Commission chairperson Dr Rayapati Sailaja emphasised the need for women to be aware of their legal rights and protections. Addressing awareness sessions held in Nandyal and Kurnool on Tuesday, she said the Commission is actively promoting safety and empowerment for women and girls, particularly in the Rayalaseema region.
As part of its mandate, the Commission is conducting field visits to respond to complaints related to harassment, mental and physical abuse, and exploitation, especially among college students and minor girls. Sailaja noted that preventive measures are being prioritised over reactive ones, with a focus on reducing incidents before they occur.
The Commission is coordinating with 156 Shakti teams across the state to ensure women’s safety, while also identifying hot spots and initiating corrective action. Additionally, 96 internal committees have been formed in colleges and workplaces to tackle harassment and prevent untoward incidents.
Sailaja highlighted the role of the Sakhi One-Stop Centre in Kurnool, operated by the Women and Child Welfare Department in partnership with the Central and State governments. These centres have played a significant role in curbing atrocities against women. Staffed entirely by women, they offer legal support, counselling, and temporary shelter, and work in close coordination with women police stations to ensure effective protection.
The Commission is also conducting seminars in educational institutions to raise awareness about social media-related exploitation, advising teenage girls on safe behaviour and self-defence. Dr Sailaja reiterated that the State government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, accords top priority to women’s safety and is committed to fostering a preventive and proactive approach.
She added that officials have been instructed to take stringent action to prevent child marriages and to engage in community outreach to educate the public about its harmful consequences. District officials accompanied the chairperson during her visits to Nandyal and Kurnool.