How Assam's Women and Child Development Department Is Encouraging Men to Join Awareness Campaigns

Male involvement in awareness camp related to women and child

How the Women and Child Development Department in Assam is Encouraging Male Involvement in Community Awareness Campaigns

In many communities, people think that taking care of children and looking after women’s health is only a woman’s job. But times are changing, and so is the thinking.

In Assam, the Women and Child Development Department is working hard to involve men in important awareness programs.

These programs focus on the health and development of women and children—especially topics like pregnancy care, child nutrition, education of girls, and safety.

The idea is simple: when men take part in these activities, families become stronger, and the whole community grows together.

Why Men Involvement is necessary for awareness campaign?

In many households, men are the main decision-makers. They decide what food to buy, whether someone goes to the doctor, or if a girl goes to school. If men are not aware of women’s health needs or the importance of child nutrition, these decisions may not be the best ones.

That’s why the government believes it’s important to educate men too, so they can support their wives, daughters, and children in a better way.

Where Are These Awareness Campaigns Held?

The Women and Child Development Department, along with local Anganwadi Centres, ASHA workers, and NGOs, holds community events in villages, towns, and even tea garden areas. These events happen in places where people gather easily—like schools, community halls, and open fields.

The main topics covered are:

Care during pregnancy and after childbirth
Proper food for mothers and children
Breastfeeding and hygiene
Importance of immunization
Girl child education and safety
Avoiding early marriage

What’s different now is that fathers, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers are being invited too—not just women.

Government Programs Supporting This Effort

Some of the programs where men are being encouraged to participate include:

1. Poshan Abhiyaan (Nutrition Campaign)

Every year, Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) is celebrated to spread awareness about healthy food and nutrition. Men are now invited to attend sessions with their wives to understand what kind of food is good for pregnant women and small children.

2. Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs)

On these days, ASHA and Anganwadi workers organize health check-ups and learning sessions in the village. These events now include men to teach them about things like child vaccination, handwashing, and supporting their wives during pregnancy.

3. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save and Educate the Girl Child)

This campaign encourages people to treat girls equally. In Assam, events are held where men take a pledge to support their daughters' education and not marry them off early.

4. Community Meetings and Gender Workshops

Some areas hold interactive sessions with men where they talk about how to be better partners and fathers. These workshops teach about shared responsibilities at home and respecting women.

Positive Changes Seen in the Community

In places where these programs are active, real change is happening. Here are a few examples:

Fathers are attending health check-ups with their wives and asking questions about baby care.
Men are helping with household chores when their wives are pregnant or caring for a newborn.
Families are choosing to keep their daughters in school, inspired by stories shared in community meetings.
Violence against women has reduced in areas where awareness programs are consistent.

These small steps are making a big difference in the lives of women and children.

Why This Approach Matters

When men are involved:

Women feel more supported and confident
Children grow up in healthier, happier homes
Girls get better chances to study and grow
Men learn to become caring, respectful family members

It also helps break old beliefs that only women should care for children or do household work.

What More Can Be Done?

To keep this progress going, the government and communities can:

Hold regular awareness camps in remote areas
Train more male volunteers as role models
Create short videos or street plays in local languages to explain these ideas
Involve schools in teaching boys about respect and gender equality from a young age

Note

Women and child development is not just a woman’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility. In Assam, the Women and Child Development Department is doing an amazing job by bringing men into the conversation.

When fathers, husbands, and brothers support the health, education, and safety of women and children, the entire society benefits.

Together, with both men and women working side by side, Assam can become a healthier, safer, and more equal place for all.

Men involvement in awareness camp related to child women

Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi: Nourishing Minds and Future for a Stronger Tomorrow

A Guide for Parents of children aged 3 to 6 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why is the government involving men in women and child development programs?
A: Men often make key decisions in families, especially in rural areas. By involving them in awareness programs, they can better support women’s health, child nutrition, and education, leading to stronger families and healthier communities.

Q2. What kind of awareness campaigns are men involved in?
A: Men are being included in programs like Poshan Abhiyaan, Village Health and Nutrition Days, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and local gender sensitization workshops. These focus on topics like pregnancy care, breastfeeding, child immunization, hygiene, and girl child education.

Q3. How do these programs help women and children?
A: When men are aware and supportive, women get more help during pregnancy and childcare. Children, especially girls, get better care, nutrition, and education. This creates a positive environment at home and in the community.

Q4. Are these awareness programs available in rural areas?
A: Yes, most of these programs are specially designed for rural areas, including tea garden communities. Local Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and NGOs organize village-level events to reach every family.

Q5. How can men participate in these programs?
A: Men can attend community meetings, workshops, and health days organized by the Women and Child Development Department. They can also support by simply being present, asking questions, helping at home, and encouraging other men to join.