Special Cell for Women

📍 Nanded, Maharashtra | International Women’s Day 2026

On 9 March 2026, Social Workers from the Special Cell for Women & Children, Nanded provided important information on women’s laws, safety, and helpline numbers during a programme organised on the occasion of International Women’s Day at Rajiv Gandhi Mahavidyalaya, Mudkhed.

The session aimed to raise awareness among students about legal rights, available support systems, and the importance of seeking help in situations of violence or distress.

🌼 Consultation on Strengthening GBV Redressal Mechanisms | Ranchi 🌼

A one-day consultation on Strengthening Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Redressal Mechanisms was organised on 10 March 2026 in Ranchi, Jharkhand by the International Center for Research on Women. The consultation brought together NGOs and institutions working on issues such as domestic violence, child marriage and witch hunting.

The panel included organisations such as the Special Cell for Women and Children, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action), CEHAT (Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes), Vishakha (Mahila Siksha Avam Soudh Simiti) & Nirantar Trust.

Pratibha Gajbhiye, Regional Coordinator, Special Cells, Maharashtra, presented the Special Cell model of placing trained social workers within the police system to support survivors of gender-based violence, highlighting the collaboration between the Department of Women and Child Development and the Home Department, Government of Maharashtra. ✨

International Women’s Day celebration held in Mumbai on 7th March with the social workers of Special Cell for Women & Children, fieldwork students of TISS, social activists, and members of local NGOs. The gathering created a space for dialogue, solidarity, and renewed commitment towards addressing violence against women and promoting women’s rights.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day (8 March 2026), Pratibha Gajbhiye, Regional Coordinator, Special Cell for Women and Children, TISS, Mumbai, was invited as the Guest of Honour to speak on violence against women and related laws. The programme was organized by the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers, Nagpur (Maharashtra) and chaired by Er. Shailesh Tembhurnikar. The Chief Guests included Pradnya Bagde, Principal, PWDS College, Nagpur; Dr. Smruti Ramteke, Dean, Government Medical College, Nagpur; and Sukeshini Telgote, Deputy Commissioner, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Nagpur. The programme was attended by representatives of various organizations, college students, and ASHA workers, creating an engaging platform to discuss women's rights, legal awareness, and collective responsibility in addressing violence against women.

Empowering Jaankaar Didis for Effective Police Station Support

The Resource Centre for Interventions on Violence Against Women (RCI-VAW), in collaboration with Chatanya Organisation, conducted the second phase of the 4-day Jaankaar Didi Training Programme from 20–23 February 2026 in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh.

The Jaankaar Didi programme positions trained women facilitators at police stations to provide crucial support and legal assistance to women facing violence. The training commenced with a recap of the previous phase and moved into deeper discussions on the women’s movement, the cycle of violence, and the dynamics of power and control.

Participants strengthened their understanding of key legislations including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, and relevant provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 related to violence against women. These sessions enhanced their practical capacity to respond effectively and sensitively to cases of gender-based violence at the police station level.

This initiative is part of a three-phase capacity-building series aimed at empowering Jaankaar Didis to provide stronger, rights-based support to women and communities.

The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Trupti Jhaveri Panchal, Faculty In-charge, and Balwant Singh, Coordinator, RCI-VAW.

Social workers of the Special Cell for Women & Children, Vikhroli Police Station, Mumbai, participated in the newly inaugurated help desk booth for Helpline 1512, jointly set up by the Railway Department and Police Department at Thane Railway Station.

The help desk has been established to provide information related to railway travel, address travel-related difficulties, and offer immediate assistance and support to women and children in distress.

*Empowering the Youth: Guidance Session on Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule's Birth Anniversary*

On January 3, 2026, Special Cell for Women and Children, S.P. Office Wardha, Maharashtra provided valuable guidance to adolescent boys and girls at the Department of Agricultural Science, Gramin Shikshan Sanstha, Pipri (Meghe), Wardha. The session covered crucial topics such as love, attraction and consent, responsible social media usage, safety, and the role of the Special cell. The program saw an enthusiastic participation of first- and second-year students, along with faculty members and staff. This initiative aimed to equip the youth with essential life skills and knowledge to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

09.12.2025
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the social workers of the Special Cell for Women & Children, Vikhroli Police Station, conducted an awareness programme for women on their rights and the reliefs available under the PWDV Act, 2005.

The session aimed to empower women with knowledge of legal protections and support mechanisms available to them.

26.11.2025
The social workers and fieldwork students of the Special Cell for Women & Children, Vikhroli Police Station conducted an awareness programme on key constitutional provisions and the POCSO Act with the students of a Vikhroli school.
The session aimed to build awareness among children about their rights, safety, and the foundational values of the Constitution.