A 10-day special awareness campaign on women empowerment concluded in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a final programme at the ANIIMS campus in Corbyn’s Cove, Sri Vijaya Puram. Organized by the State Hub for Empowerment of Women under the Directorate of Social Welfare, the campaign ran from September 2 to 12 across various parts of South Andaman district. Its focus was to educate women and communities about legal rights, health issues, safety at workplaces and opportunities in higher education.
The concluding session highlighted women’s empowerment through medicine and allied healthcare professional courses. Participants were informed about the Women Helpline (181) by call operator Reshma Banu and briefed on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act by Deepa Laxmi. By combining career pathways with information on safety and rights, the session illustrated the holistic approach taken throughout the campaign.
Across its duration, the campaign covered a wide range of themes. Sessions on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao promoted education for girls as both a right and a tool of empowerment. Gender sensitization workshops encouraged participants to challenge stereotypes and promote equality in families and communities. Legal awareness sessions familiarized women with laws that protect them, including workplace safety provisions, the POCSO Act for child protection and the POSH Act for sexual harassment prevention. Health-related sessions covered sexual and reproductive health, adolescent well-being, and nutrition.
The format of the campaign blended expert talks, interactive discussions and community outreach. Women and adolescent girls were engaged not only as listeners but also as active participants in conversations about their rights and responsibilities. Community leaders and local influencers were included to ensure that awareness spread beyond individual participants and into the larger social fabric.
The campaign also emphasized the link between empowerment and education. Sessions highlighted how higher education can expand opportunities for women and improve their ability to make informed decisions. By including discussions on professional courses in healthcare, the initiative also provided practical direction for young women looking at career options.
The Directorate of Social Welfare ensured that the campaign reached grassroots levels. Awareness sessions were held in multiple community spaces across South Andaman, allowing participation from women who may not otherwise have access to such information. The presence of trained facilitators helped bridge gaps in understanding and ensured that complex legal and health issues were explained in simple, accessible terms.
For the islands, such initiatives carry special importance. Geographical isolation, small population clusters and limited access to services often leave women vulnerable to neglect and lack of information. By holding a sustained campaign over ten days, the State Hub for Empowerment of Women attempted to counter these challenges and bring consistent messaging to the community.
The focus on adolescent girls reflects an understanding that empowerment begins early. By exposing younger participants to issues of gender equality, health and legal rights, the campaign aimed to build long-term change in attitudes and practices. Awareness about nutrition and reproductive health is particularly critical in this age group, where early interventions can prevent lifelong health consequences.
The campaign’s conclusion does not signal an end but rather a milestone in ongoing efforts to empower women in the islands. With community engagement, legal awareness, health education and career guidance all integrated into a single programme, the drive illustrated how multifaceted empowerment must be. Officials indicated that the Directorate will continue to work with local institutions to follow up on the issues raised and provide further support where needed.
By bringing women and girls into conversations about their rights, health and education, the campaign reaffirmed that empowerment is not just a policy goal but a practical necessity for building resilient communities. The success of the 10-day drive lies not only in the number of participants reached but in the conversations it sparked across households and neighbourhoods in South Andaman.
