Gender-based violence (GBV) has been endorsed by member states in the 67th World Health Assembly as a public health issue, necessitating healthcare and other interventions. Health impacts of violence can last a lifetime, affecting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Gender equality and freedom from violence, are critical determinants of health.
Department of Community Medicine, KIMS under the leadership of Head of the Department, Professor (Dr.) Sonali Kar, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, organized a state level workshop on “Gender Mainstreaming in Health” on 25th November, 2024.
Senior Officials from Health Directorates of Health & Family Welfare Department, Odisha including Ms. Aswathy S, Commissioner–cum–Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department; Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, Director, Family Welfare; Dr. Prativa Pradhan, Joint Director, Child Health, Odisha; Shri Siba Prasad Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Law, Odisha; Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Director, Health Services, Odisha; Dr Braja Kishore Das, Additional Director, DMET, Head of Department FMT from selected Medical College and Hospitals of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack; Director Dr. Ramya Pinnamaneni and her team from Kalinga School of Public Health, health professionals and officials from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and NLUO actively participated in the workshop.
A brief round of introduction was followed by a technical session comprising of group discussion on various aspects of identifying stakeholders involvement and facilitation of addressing a case of gender violence. The technical session of the workshop was conducted under the subthemes- Essential laws and mandates for healthcare providers, The SDG focus on Gender and Health, Gender Responsive Budgeting in Health and MoHFW Guidelines: Revision of IPC to BNS. Each group’s moderator presented their share of a plan to develop educational as well as operating manuals. They were felicitated for their inputs. The way ahead of the workshop is to form a smaller core group who would work on compilation of the modules on mainstreaming gender based violence into health. A signature campaign against gender based violence was initiated in the workshop by Ms. Aswathy S, Commissioner–cum–Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department.
The Department expressed its deep gratitude to the visionary Founder KIIT, KISS & KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, whose commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable education and healthcare has been a constant source of inspiration. His leadership motivated to prioritize gender equity as a cornerstone of progress in health and beyond. The department thanked the Dean and Principal, AVM Professor Dr. R.C Das, whose guidance and unwavering support was instrumental in organizing this workshop. His presence in the inaugural session and continuous encouragement ensured that such meaningful initiatives get seamlessly executed. One of the highlights of the event was releasing the information, education and communication material by the distinguished guests from the Government of health & family welfare.
The event organization was supported by Dr. Snigdha Singh, Assistant Professor, Community Medicine, PGs from Department: Dr. Angana Ray, Dr. Rosy Nayak, Dr. Gouri Rath, and Ms. Padmini, Ms. Pravasini, Mr. Santosh and Mr. Sanjeet. The whole event was hosted by the PGs of Community Medicine: Dr. Priyanka Mohanty and Dr. Ayesha Das.