22/04/2026
One Day Panchayat Level Workshop on Community-Led Action for Ending Gender-Based Violence
On April 22, 2026, the Aryanad Panchayat Hall hosted the “One Day Panchayat Level Workshop” organized by The Dale View under Project EQUAL, focusing on the theme “Community-Led Action for Ending Gender-Based Violence” and the vision of building safe, equal, and violence-free communities.
The program was inaugurated by Mr. Dipin Das C.S., whose opening remarks highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing gender-based violence. The function was presided over by Ms. Anjana, Honorable Panchayat President, who emphasized that true community development is only possible when the safety and dignity of women, children, and vulnerable groups are protected.
The inaugural session was further strengthened by the presence of key officials and frontline workers including Mr. Krishnakumar E.S. (Panchayat Secretary), Ms. Neethu Jacob (ICDS Supervisor), Ms. Akhila (Women Facilitator), and Ms. Liji (School Counselor), reflecting the strong partnership between local governance, social services, and education systems.
The main technical session was led by Adv. Parvathy, who provided detailed awareness on major legal frameworks addressing gender-based violence, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (DV) Act, 2005, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013.
A total of 65 participants attended the workshop, including Panchayat members, ward representatives, community leaders, Kudumbashree volunteers, and Harithakarma Sena members. They gained practical knowledge on legal definitions of abuse, reporting procedures, survivor rights, and available support systems. Special emphasis was given to creating a “zero tolerance” approach within the community to break the silence surrounding violence and ensure safe spaces for all.
The workshop concluded with an interactive panel discussion where dignitaries and experts addressed real-life challenges faced by grassroots workers. By combining legal guidance with field-level experiences from ICDS and school counseling teams, the session strengthened the mission of Project EQUAL:
“Let Us Stand Together for Equality – Say No to Gender-Based Violence!”
The participants left with renewed commitment to apply these learnings within their wards and contribute towards building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Aryanad community.