POST OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY UNDER BETI BACHAO BETI CELEBRATED AT PAMPHOK SECONDARY SCHOOL
Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department organised an awareness program at Pamphok Secondary School as part of the post observance of International Girl child Day with the objective of creating awareness and promoting the health, safety and overall well-being of women, children and adolescents.
The programme was graced by the Honourable Panchayat President Mr. Premlal Ghimirey as the Chief Guest, School Incharge Mr. Lawrence Lepcha, CDPO Mr. Laxman Tamang, AD Nut cum DNO Ms. Sophia Lepcha, Probation Officer Ms. Smriti Rai, Health Educator Ms. Sonam Lepcha, MLHP Ms. Divya Sharma, and Namthang I Supervisor Ms. Jerelina Lepcha.
In his address, the Hon’ble Panchayat President, Mr. Prem Lal Ghimire, reflected on the social stigma and discriminatory practices faced by girl children and menstruating women in the past. He appreciated the awareness session for highlighting that menstruation is a natural biological process and not a taboo to be kept hidden. He further emphasised the importance of breaking societal barriers and encouraged male family members to actively participate in promoting menstrual hygiene, including feeling comfortable purchasing sanitary napkins for their wives, sisters and mothers.
AD Nut cum DNO Ms. Sophia Lepcha conducted a brief introduction on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, highlighting the importance of protecting, educating and empowering the girl child. Launched to address the critical decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), the tri-ministerial convergence—led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development alongside the Ministries of Health & Family Welfare and Education continues to foster a nation where every girl child is valued, protected, and educated.
A special session on Menstrual Health and Hygiene was conducted by Health Educator Ms. Sonam Lepcha, during which participants were sensitised about menstrual hygiene practices, menstrual health management and the importance of maintaining personal hygiene. Sanitary napkins were also distributed as part of the awareness initiative.
The programme further included an Anaemia Screening and Awareness Session (Talk, Test and Treat) led by CDPO Mr. Laxman Tamag. The session highlighted the importance of early detection, prevention and timely treatment of anaemia, particularly among women, adolescent girls and children.
An awareness session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was conducted by Probation Officer Ms. Smriti Rai. The session emphasised child safety, protection from sexual abuse, awareness of children's rights and the importance of reporting cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
As part of the health intervention, anaemia screening tests and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations for students. The screening aimed to assess the nutritional and health status of children and identify those who may require further attention and appropriate health support.
The programme also celebrated Annaprashana and Beti Janmostav, marking important milestones in the lives of children and promoting the importance of child health, nutrition and the girl child. During the celebration, children were presented with gifts as a gesture of love and encouragement.
The programme was attended by school representatives, including frontline workers, health personnel and other stakeholders who actively participated in the initiative.
The programme concluded with a collective message to promote healthy lifestyles, menstrual hygiene, nutritional awareness, girls' education and a safe and protective environment for every child
