LGRC Expert Lecture on Empowering Girls: Protection from Child Marriage, Child Abuse (POCSO) and Redressal through SHE Box
An expert session was arranged by the Ladies Grievances Redressal cell on October 24, 2026, for the second and third year girl students at institute. Mr. Mahadev Dongare, Dr. Jaya Shirsath, and Mrs. Amrapali Borde, the members of Women and Child Development Department, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were the speakers for the session. The main objective of the seminar is to create awareness about how to prevent violence, protect children and women, explain their legal rights, and guide survivors towards appropriate support services. Dr. S.G.Deshmukh, Principal, MIT Polytechnic guided students about the need to create awareness about the topic and the role of girls to protect themselves from various problematic situations. The session started with the topic of child marriage where Mr. Dongare told the girls the harmful effect not only on child but on the nation itself because of child marriage. Students have taken Oath to prevent child marriage at their surroundings. Information was provided about the POCSO Act, 2012, which protects children from sexual offences, and the importance of ensuring children's safety, privacy, and dignity. Participants were also informed about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the SHe-Box portal, which facilitates the reporting of workplace sexual harassment. The importance of safe working environments, awareness of legal rights, and appropriate complaint mechanisms was emphasized. Dr. Jaya Shirsath further explained the role of One Stop Centers in providing support to women affected by violence, including counselling, legal assistance, medical support, police facilitation and referrals to shelter services, as appropriate. Participants were informed about important helpline numbers, including 1098 for children, 181 for women and 112 for emergencies. The programme concluded by emphasizing the need for collective efforts by government departments, educational institutions, local authorities and community members to prevent violence, protect children and women, and promote awareness of their legal rights and available support services. A total of 230 girls attended the program and got benefitted with the session. The session ended with the proposal vote of thanks by Mansi Pawar.