US consulate in Hyderabad launches Women's Legal Literacy Drive

Bhubaneswar: The "Empowering Women through Legal Literacy Campaign in Odisha" was formally launched today by the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad in collaboration with SWATI. The project will give grassroots women leaders in Odisha access to laws and institutions that will help them deal with gender-based violence and inequality. It is financed with a $33,900 grant from the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad.

At a grant launch ceremony, public diplomacy officer Jonathan Orr stated, "The United States and India are committed to working together to combat gender discrimination and prevent violence against women." In 30 districts around Odisha, 600 participants will directly benefit from this project, which will equip them to serve as advocates for women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Two past participants in U.S. government exchange programmes, Ms Sujata Mohapatra and Ms Pujafula Pattanayak, are working with SWATI to carry out the project. In addition, a handbook for women's advocates detailing laws, constitutional clauses addressing gender justice and equity, grievance redressal procedures, and organisations available to support women will be produced as part of the project.

In workshops held in all 30 districts of Odisha, women's advocates will receive the handbook and the tools needed to use it. To ensure that complaints are addressed, women who have completed the courses will be able to draught petitions and police complaints. Women will also be trained to use social media to stop prejudice, harassment, and exploitation. This will help them in their efforts to promote gender equality and prevent discrimination.