Caravans flagged off to spread awareness about gender issues

Six mobile caravans for spreading awareness on the issue of gender-based discrimination in Punjab were flagged off here today.
Punjab's Additional Chief Secretary S K Sandhu flagged off six mobile caravans launched by Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (PSCPCR) and Punjab State Commission for Women (PSCW) along with Save the Children, an NGO.
The mobile caravans with the message 'Identity is different, but Rights are one' which will visit 550 villages in Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa and Fazilka districts of Punjab.
The vans will use a mix of infotainment techniques to educate people about the sensitive issue of gender-based discrimination, he said.

Every van is equipped to show a feature film highlighting the ways to report incidents of female foeticide. It also has a 'nukkad natak' (street play) team which will initiate discussions about giving equal treatment to boys and girls, Sandhu said.
"The campaign, initiated by Save the Children, will bolster the state government's efforts in dealing with the issue of gender-based discrimination. Educating and informing the masses is the first step towards achieving our aim of gender equality," he said.

Underlining the objective of the event, Michelle Bowman, Director of Programmes Operations, Save the Children, said reducing gender-based discrimination is the key sustainable development goal for India

"Through our programmes, we not only ensure that the community is sensitised on gender-based discrimination but also initiates action towards reducing it," Bowman said.
Sukesh Kalia, chairperson of PSCPCR said, "The rights of children cannot be ensured unless we stop discriminating on the basis of gender."
"While the government is making efforts to ensure well- being of all children, we need support from parents, teachers and the community and leaders to ensure that we root out gender-based discrimination," Kalia said.