Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said on Sunday that the Shakti application, which was launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday, will be a game-changer in ensuring the safety of women in the state.
Parida made these remarks while attending a conference marking the second foundation day of Odisha Women in Media (OWM), an association representing over 200 women media professionals from the state.
In her inaugural address, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that rape survivors will no longer have to endure the trauma of repeatedly recounting their ordeal before lawmakers and the judiciary.
“Instead, they can provide their statement on the app, which will be recorded and used in court. At present, survivors must relive the horrific incident by narrating their story to parents, police, doctors, lawyers, and judges,” she said.
Parida further announced that the government plans to establish a court where all roles—including judge, lawyer, and court staff—will be held by women. This initiative aims to create a safe space where survivors can speak without fear or shame.
Emphasizing the importance of women’s safety, Parida noted that as women are now leading various organizations, their security must be a priority.
She urged women journalists to conduct safety audits in their cities to assess their safety over the coming year, assuring them of the government’s support.
She also encouraged OWM to focus on skill development for women journalists and to assist those unable to afford journalism training.
On the occasion, journalists Sobha Surin and Sumitra Sahoo were honored with OWM Awards for Excellence in Journalism, each receiving a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
Parida, along with senior journalists Uma Sudhir and Alka Sahani, also launched the OWM annual magazine, ‘Arohi.’
A special session featured grassroots women entrepreneurs, including Bhagabati Sahu (Jajpur), Jayanti Maharana (Balasore), and footballer Pusparani Bhuyan, who shared their stories of struggle and success. Sudhir and Sahani also discussed the challenges faced by women journalists.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das highlighted the crucial role of women journalists in society.
OWM President Kasturi Ray delivered the welcome address, Secretary Minati Singha presented the annual report, and Vice-President Sharada Lahangir gave the vote of thanks.
