Empowering women through education, health initiatives | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Under the newly launched Mission Shakti 5.0, the state govt is working to improve security for women and use education as a means of empowering them.The govt will be introducing special helpline numbers for women, increasing the number of women’s police stations and expanding the number of women police personnel. Pink booths and patrolling squads are also being strengthened. Padmaja Chauhan, the nodal officer of Mission Shakti, said: “Under the current phase, education is considered the strongest tool for women’s empowerment. Special awareness campaigns are being conducted to promote education for girls in rural areas. Scholarship schemes and digital education programmes are being expanded, and women will be provided with equal opportunities, leading them towards self-reliance.” She added that special campaigns are being conducted on women’s health. “Workshops and health camps focusing on sanitation, nutrition and mental health are being organised and special emphasis is being laid on providing easy access to health services for women in rural and backward areas,” she said. In addition, entrepreneurship among women and self-employment schemes will also be promoted. Chauhan said the govt is providing financial and technical assistance to small industries, startups and for self-employment, which will enable women to become economically independent and strengthen their position within their families and society. Training programmes focusing on self-defence, life skills and leadership development are being conducted in schools, colleges and community centres. Chauhan said in this phase, strict measures will be taken to prevent crimes against women. “Special monitoring systems and fast-track courts have been activated in each district to ensure that offenders face swift justice,” she said, adding that the police have been instructed to prioritise cases concerning women.