Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member, NCW, was Chief Guest at the 3-day workshop ‘Women’s Human Rights – Strengthening Capacities and Capabilities’ organized by National Alliance of Women (NAWO) on 17.07.2013 at ICSSR Complex, Punjab University, Chandigarh. 

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna addressed the participants and spoke on the role, functions and powers of the National Commission for Women. She apprised the participants that the Commission is not a first forum for redressal of complaints but an autonomous body which acts as a monitoring mechanism for the proper implementation of all legislations made to protect the rights of women; so as to enable them to achieve equality in all spheres of life and equal participation in the development of the nation. She also spoke on the Bill of Rights being prepared by the NCW in collaboration with women’s organizations. Since, it has been felt that women are not a homogenous group, hence in order to be inclusive the draft Bill of Rights proposes to address the special needs of marginalized women, i.e. tribal women, minority, women in conflict situation etc. 

Participants comprised academicians, professors and social activists who were being trained for 3-days on women’s rights. In order to give momentum to the women’s human rights movement, and to spread awareness and sensitivity on gender issues, the methodology used was to train participants on subjects of human rights, social security, CEDAW, institutional mechanism, SC/ST Act etc; with the objective that the when they go back to their respective regions / areas they disseminate knowledge at the local level. 

Dr Charu WaliKhanna was also invited by the State Commission to visit their office where she held discussions with Ms. Paramjeet Kaur Landran, Chairperson Punjab State Commission for women and other officers and staff.

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