With a collection of a 100 case studies from 12 districts, a panel comprising distinguished guests discussed on several research-based observations and community suggestions to combat the evils of witch branding here The ActionAid with the support of Odisha State Commission for Women hosted the workshop. Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) Chairperson Dr Minati Behera, OSCW Member Snehanjali Mohanty, Joint Secretary, Home, Nibedita Prusty, Additional Secretary, Law Bhagawan Sahoo, Joint Secretary, WCD, Bithika Swain and Associate Director, Action Aid Debabrat Patra took part in the discussion around the findings and recommendations of a study on the issue in 12 districts of the State. The workshop saw an active participation of more than 75 people including the district coordinators of ActionAid, filed surveyors, and community leaders from 12 districts of Odisha who took part in the discussion. The panelists, victims and community members viewed for an aggressive action by the State and district administration to address the issue of witch branding in a convergent way to ensure protection and rehabilitation to the victims. “We will give utmost importance to rehabilitation and restoration of victims. Also, the Commission will work to develop a rule and suggest necessary amendment in the law to ensure effective support to the victims of witch branding. While the solution may take years, we, with a combined effort of the community members will take necessary steps to help eradicate this social evil," said OSCW Chairperson Mishra. Action Aide Associate Director Patra suggested for a decadal review of the Odisha Prohibition of Witch Hunting Act and identifying the gaps and challenges.