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Salem, March 8
Salesian Dr Casimir Raj Calls for Stronger Child Protection at International Women’s Day Programme in Salem
News reported by: BIS Correspondent
Dr Casimir Raj M, a Salesian of Don Bosco and Member of the Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TNCPCR), participated in an International Women’s Day programme promoting the safety and rights of women and girl children at the PMSSY Conference Hall (Kannadi Maligai), Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem.
The programme titled “FULL STOP – A Campaign to Stop & End Violence Against Women and Girl Children” brought together doctors, nurses, counsellors, social workers, college students, NGO field workers, and other stakeholders to create awareness on preventing violence against women and girl children and promoting gender equality and respect for women.
The event was organised by the No to Violence Against Women Committee of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Federation of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (TNFOG), The Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Salem (OGSOS), Thozhamai, and the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA).
The inaugural session was graced by Dr Bhaskar Pal, President of FOGSI, as the Chief Guest, along with distinguished guests, including Dr Shubha Periasamy, Head of the Department at Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Salem, and other representatives from FOGSI, TNFOG, and OGSOS.
A panel discussion was an important part of the programme, during which experts and resource persons discussed the challenges affecting women and girls and the collective responsibility needed to address them. Among the panellists, Dr Casimir Raj shared his insights on strengthening child protection mechanisms and ensuring a safe environment for women and children.
During his interaction with the participants, Dr Casimir Raj posed a reflective question: “How many of you here love your mother?” Almost everyone in the hall raised their hands. Referring to the recent news about Sundar Pichai, a native of Tamil Nadu and one of the highest-paid CEOs in the world, he remarked that while the world celebrates such global leaders, each person already has the greatest “CEO” in their life – their mother. He explained that a mother works 24 hours a day without salary, increment, or promotion, yet remains the most influential person in shaping values and life.
Linking this reflection to the International Women’s Day theme “Rights, Justice and Action,” he urged society to work collectively to ensure that women and girl children feel safe, respected, and empowered.
Dr Casimir Raj also highlighted that the Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights is a statutory body mandated to prevent violations, protect children, and recommend policy changes for their welfare.
He further pointed out that several issues affecting children are interconnected, including school dropouts, substance abuse, media addiction, child labour, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy. Addressing these concerns requires strengthening government child protection systems, empowering communities, and conducting research to support effective policy reforms and alternative support mechanisms to safeguard every child’s right to education.
He also emphasised the need to introduce age-appropriate and class-appropriate sex education as part of the school curriculum to equip children and adolescents with the necessary awareness and protection.
Resource persons during the sessions stressed that laws alone are not sufficient to end violence against women and girl children. They urged participants to take personal responsibility and report any violations against minor girls or children immediately, noting that timely reporting can prevent abuse and ensure justice.
The programme also raised awareness of important helpline services available to children and women in distress, including -
- Child Helpline (1098): For children in distress.
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline and Tele-MANAS (both 14416): For mental health support.
- School Education Helpline (14417): For school education, safety, and schemes.
- Cyber Crime Helpline (1930): For fraud reporting.
- Women’s Helpline (181): For violence response.
The programme concluded with a collective call to place a “FULL STOP” to violence against women and girl children and to work together in building a society that upholds dignity, equality, safety, and justice for every woman and every child.
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