The International Day of the Girl Child was observed by the Save the Children jointly with its partner organisation Asha Odisha and district administration of Nuapada on Wednesday.
The theme of the year was “The power of adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030”. The Save the Children with the Asha Odisha is engaged in a programme called ‘Ananya: Marriage no child’s play’ since last year to stop child mirage in Nuapada.
The Panchayati Raj representatives and field functionaries of ICDS, like Anganwadi workers and ASHAs are involved in the programme to generate awareness within the community in 11 panchayats of Nuapada block. The organizations have formed groups of adolescent girls within the age groups of 10-14 and 15-19 to promote peer learning and to develop awareness within the community to stop child marriage.
The programme on Wednesday witnessed 150 adolescents girls taking oath for not to marry before 18 years and fight against violence, abuse, discrimination and negligence towards girl child. Eleven girl child champions who refused their own marriage as well as made others aware of against early marriage were felicitated. These brave girls shared their experiences to the guests and villagers present in the programme. An 11-point charter of demands was signed by all participants including the guests. Dance, song, a play were performed on various issues.
Bidyadhar Meher , representative of Save the Children coordinated the programme. ADM, Nuapada Trilochan Minz attended as chief guest.
Among others, ZP President Namita Pradhan, Nuapada Block chairperson Tareswari Sahu, DCPO, Nuapada Baladeb Ratha, DSWO Nuapada Bijayalaxmi Raiguru and PO, ICDS Jayanti Swain were also present.