District-Level Stakeholder Consultation Meeting and Awareness Campaign Organized on National Girl Child Day
Keonjhar – On the occasion of National Girl Child Day 2025, a district-level stakeholder consultation meeting was organized by District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Humara Bachpan Trust (HBT) at the Collectorate Office, Keonjhar.
The event aimed to address critical issues such as child marriage, trafficking, and child labor through a unified approach. The ‘Access to Justice’ program, implemented by HBT in partnership with Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) since May 2023, has been working across 150 villages in six blocks—Hatadihi, Banspal, Sadar, Harichandanpur, Patana, and Ghatagaon—to create safer communities and safeguard the rights of children.
The consultation meeting saw active participation from over 250 stakeholders, including government officials, Anganwadi workers, adolescent girls from different blocks, community members, child protection experts, and representatives from various organizations. The Chief Guest, the MLA of Telkoi, along with other dignitaries such as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to make Keonjhar district free from child marriage and promote safer, more supportive environments for children in the district.
As part of the day’s activities, a cycle rally was organized at the District Headquarter – Keonjhar with over 100 participants. The rally aimed to raise awareness about the adverse effects of child marriage and encouraged collective action to prevent it. Further, a Rangoli competition with 30 participants was held, showcasing vibrant designs that promoted the theme of empowering girls and eradicating child marriage.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward making Keonjhar district free from child marriage, trafficking, and labor exploitation.
