Shaktishree cells in colleges, universities

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to bolster women’s safety in educational institutions, the Higher Education department has directed all state public universities and government/non-government aided colleges to establish a Shaktishree Empowerment Cell. The initiative, part of the Shaktishree programme, aims to provide holistic protection—physical, legal, mental, and digital—to all undergraduate and postgraduate female students across the state. The cell will be a permanent, student-led body operating throughout the year to promote security, empowerment, and a safe academic environment for women students and staff. Activities will include six-day self-defence training, thematic workshops, awareness campaigns, yoga and meditation sessions, and collaborations with civil society experts.

Each cell will be guided by a Shaktishree Sanjojika—a female faculty member nominated by the institution—and supported by a Shaktishree Saathi (peer leader) along with female class representatives from every department. The Saathi will coordinate with peers and the Sanjojika to ensure smooth execution of activities and foster a respectful, inclusive environment. The selection process for Shaktishree Saathi will be conducted transparently through a screening committee comprising faculty members, with emphasis on leadership, communication, responsibility, empathy, problem-solving ability, and respect for diversity.

Class representatives and peer leaders will be chosen voluntarily from among willing and eligible female students. The last date of selection of female class representative is August 14, while the last dated of selection of peer leader as Shaktishree Saathi is August 20. The date of establishment of Shaktishree Empowerment Cell is August 25. Higher Education Director Kaliprasanna Mahapatra has instructed all institutions to submit details of the newly formed cell, including the names of the Sanjojika and Saathi, via an official Google form. The Shaktishree initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening campus safety and empowering young women to lead change in their communities.

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