News Details|OdishaRay

State Level Consultation on Gender Equality and Disability organized in Bhubaneswar

OdishaRay
Bhubaneswar (20/05/2023): Inclusiveness, proper implementation of laws and legislature, accessible support systems, making use of technology and above all behavioural changes & sensitive approach is essential for building a inclusive society where disability or gender will not be a barrier for leading a life of dignity, said eminent dignitaries joining the “State Level Consultation on Gender Equality and Disability”.
This programme was organised under C20 G20 India Programme on Gender & Disability at Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar by Bal Kalyan Sangh (BKS), Ranchi in collaboration with People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), Bhubaneswar with Support from Asia Foundation on Saturday.
Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, PECUC gave the welcome address, shared the purpose of this workshop and chaired the opening session.
Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Secretary Bal Kalyan Sangh spoke on the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in advancing gender equality and disability rights and he further stated that the best practices and innovative strategies applied by the CSOs will be shared to the G20 groups.
It is an opportunities for the CSOs to showcase their work to the Government.
Nandita Baruah, Country Head, The Asia Foundation joined online and spoke about the various thematic areas to focus on, to promote Gender Equality and eliminate Gender Based Violence and also to bring forward the challenges and concerns.
A panel discussion on “Intersectionality and Inclusivity: The Confluence of Gender Equality and Disability Rights in Empowering Marginalized Communities” was also held.
Prof.Dr.Narayan Chandra Pati, CHETNA moderated the session.
Kasturi Mohapatra, Former Chairperson, OSCPCR & Former Commissioner Persons with Disability, Odisha stated that a sensible approach, equal accessibility and proper implementation of laws & legislatures, schemes and programmes can bring meaningful changes in the life of many.
Dr.Subrat Dash, State Rehabilitation Officer, Odisha Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability (SSEPD) department discussed about various initiatives taken by the department and also about the schemes and programmes for the persons with disability.
Bisakha Bhanja, Gender Expert, NAWO spoke about the different challenges and discrimination faced by the disable people and it is essential to break the barrier by providing them equal opportunity and adopting a positive approach.
Prof.Dr.Satya Mohapatra, Secretary, Margdarshi, & Regional Coordinator, Rehabilitation Council of India, emphasized on adopting innovative cost effective technology is important to create a better life for persons with disability.
Civil Society organizations from different districts of Odisha also shared their best practices and experiences in this consultation & the session was moderated by Prakash Rath, Open Learning Systems.
As many as 77 participants including CSOs, academicians, representatives of electronic & print media from different districts of Odisha participated in this consultation.
Vote of thanks was given by Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director, PECUC.
This programme was facilitated by Ratna Dash, Alpana Dash & Jyotishankar Mohanty of PECUC.