The Eastern Voice Correspondent 

(Preet Rajvansh)

Araria. In a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and eliminating child marriage, the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the Women and Child Development Corporation, Araria. They organized a Sakhi Varta awareness programme in Ward No. 08 of Hariya village under Araria block on Tuesday.

The programme focused on educating rural women and adolescent girls about the harmful effects of child marriage, gender-based violence, the dowry system, and women’s legal rights. Officials highlighted that child marriage is not only a social evil but also a punishable offence under the law, stressing the importance of girls’ education, health and a secure future. Participants were also informed about the legal age of marriage and the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Awareness sessions were conducted on women-centric government welfare schemes, nutrition, skill development, cyber safety and opportunities for self-employment. Information was also provided on essential support services including legal aid, counselling, medical assistance, temporary shelter, and police support. Women were encouraged to seek help through the Women Helpline (181) and the Child Helpline (1098) whenever needed.

The programme concluded with villagers taking a collective pledge to build a child marriage-free, informed, and empowered society.