Child Rights Advocacy Initiative
Child Rights Advocacy with Hon’ble MLAs and PRI members of Odisha
Under this initiative, we strive to mobilize and orient legislatures, PRI members & other stakeholders, across political parties, on key child-related issues. The vision is that a few committed legislators, through regular discourse and participation, lend their voices on issues pertaining to children on the floor of the Assembly, in general public forums, official meetings and gatherings and in media as well.
Another critical part of this initiative is making sure that the Governmental service delivery system works optimally. For this, we assist the Hon’ble MLAs in asking the right questions to the right people and help them bring about accountability from the Government’s side and make sure that no child is left behind.
Study Tour and Exposure Visits for the Hon’ble MLAs
The legislators received first hand exposure to the highly efficient and effective local governance through the Kerala Institute of Local Governance (KILA) in Kerala.
The legislators had an intensive discussion on the model Special Juvenile Police Units at Bangalore, Karnataka.
The Hon’ble MLAs observing the functioning of a model Anganwadi Center in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Technical Support to the Hon’ble MLAs
The Hon’ble MLAs are provided with technical support through policy research and review, data analysis, background work for Assembly questions.
Technical support is also offered to the legislators for undertaking constituency level development initiatives for instance Anganwadi upgradation, monitoring, review and evaluation of essential services in the constituency.
Technical Sessions for the Hon’ble MLAs and PRI Members
Workshop for Hon’ble MLAs, Odisha on Public Finance and Budget for Children.
‘MLAs Consultation on WASH and Sanitation in Odisha’ organized during the Monsoon Session of Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2016.
A conference titled ‘Child Rights and Social Accountability in Local Governance’ was organized for the PRI Members in collaboration with SIRD.
Workshops with PRI Members on Child Rights
A series of workshops titled “Role of Elected Representatives in Realizing Child Rights” were conducted with PRI Members in various districts of Odisha in 2019.
Children’s Manifesto & Knowledge Products
Consultation on ‘Child Manifesto’ with Children from various districts of Odisha such as Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj and Khordha etc.
Multi-Party Consultation on Children’s Charter of Demands, Election 2019. A ten-point charter of demands representing voices of children and young people from across the state was presented to representatives of 10 different political parties for inclusion in their party manifestos.
Knowledge Products were developed and shared with legislators to assist them in dissemination of information related to Anganwadis, Schools, PHCs etc.
Child Friendly Constituency Initiative
The flagship initiative is a unique collaboration between UNICEF, KKF and other local stakeholders in the Khandapada assembly constituency, to develop it into a model child-friendly constituency.
By bringing together international expertise, local knowledge, political commitment and proven models of ensuring child rights, it promises to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the children of the constituency and that of their families. The pilot project in Khandapada has served as a framework for similar initiatives by other Hon’ble MLAs in their respective constituencies.
Developments as part of CFC initiative
- Allocation of land for construction of new Anganwadi Centers and those without their own building.
- Sensitization of all stakeholders towards child rights.
- In about 150+ Child Collectives, 5000+ children have been mobilized to become the change agents of their communities.
- In a span of just one year, more than 40 trained Gram Panchayat Resource Persons (GPRPs) which is a cadre of trained volunteers have mobilized about 4500 children as advocates of their rights, entitlements and duties.
- Revamp and functionalization of the Mahila & Sishu Desk at the Police Stations.
- In one of its kind events, children of the CFC participated in the Gram Sabha held on 2nd Oct 2016; tabled their demands, expressed their concerns, the points were noted and incorporated in the resolutions passed during the Gram Sabhas.
Public Policy Advocacy & Research
The Members of Parliament Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases aims to bring
together parliamentarians, experts, and stakeholders to collectively address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. The purpose of this Forum is to foster collaboration, share knowledge and experiences, and drive policy reforms that prioritize NCD prevention and control.
The Forum champions policies that encourage healthier lifestyles, support robust healthcare systems, and secure adequate funding for NCD initiatives. By leveraging the power of legislation and advocacy, the Forum seeks to contribute to a healthier future for our nation.
