AU centre conducts sensitisation programme on adolescent girls’ empowerment

The Centre for Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI), Andhra University, in association with Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Welfare Residential School (MJPAPBCWRS) for girls, Annavaram, in Bheemunipatnam mandal, organised a sensitisation programme on Monday on “Social Inclusion and Empowerment of Adolescent Girls: Issues and Challenges”.

Inaugurating the programme, K. Sita Manikyam, principal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Law, Andhra University, said empowering adolescent girls through education, healthcare, safety and equal opportunities was essential for building an inclusive society.

CSSI director P. Subba Rao said that the programme sought to create awareness of health, hygiene, nutrition, cyber safety and legal rights among adolescent girls.

Resource persons from Andhra Medical College spoke on adolescent health, menstrual hygiene, nutrition and the prevention of seasonal and water-borne diseases. N. Sunitha, Inspector of Police, Mahila Police Station, advised students on online safety, and explained the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She urged students to use the 112 emergency helpline to report cyber crimes.