“Together for a Safer Tomorrow”

VAWG Workshop at Ranchi

The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, with support from the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, is conducting a nationwide study titled “Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms Combating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)” in India. The project aims to assess the current landscape of VAWG, identify key challenges and policy gaps, and propose strategies to strengthen institutional responses. Through a multifaceted campaign, it will engage stakeholders—including civil society, NGOs, law enforcement, the judiciary, and community groups—to enhance coordination, share best practices, and promote effective, sustainable approaches to prevention, response, and recovery.

As part of its engagement efforts, CPPR is organizing a two-day workshop on Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms Combating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Ranchi on 29–30 July 2025. It will bring together diverse stakeholders to examine systemic challenges, share regional and institutional insights, and collaboratively develop strategies to strengthen responses to VAWG. The interactive sessions will focus on technical, policy, and implementation aspects, facilitating knowledge exchange and practical solutions through expert-led discussions and group activities.

AGENDA

Tuesday, 29 July, 2025

09:00 a.m. — Registration Opens

09:30 a.m. — Inaugural Ceremony

• • Welcome Remarks: Dr D Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR
  • Chief Guest Remarks: Ms Kathy Giles-Diaz, U.S. Consul General, Kolkata
  • Guest of Honor Remarks: Ms Kiran Kumari Pasi IAS, Director of Social Welfare, Jharkhand
  • Remarks: Ms Kumari Ranjana Asthana, Member Secretary (Principal District Judge), Jharkhand Legal Services Authority
  • Remarks: Dr Ajith Sen, Enreed Foundation, Ranchi
  • Vote of Thanks: Ms Binumol, Senior Associate (Programmes and Coordination), CPPR

10:30 a.m. — Tea Break

10.45 a.m. — Session 1: US Best Practices in Combating VAWG

Speaker: Ms Anjali Guntur, Director of Programs, Raksha Inc., Georgia, USA

12.00 p.m. — Session 2: An Overview of VAWG Institutional Challenges in Jharkhand

Speaker: Ms Reshma Singh, Master Trainer, Dhwani Foundation

1.00 p.m. — Lunch Break

1:45 p.m. — Group Discussions on Thematic Areas 

• • Group 1: Institutional Capacity Challenges
  • Group 2: Improving upon Complicated Processes leading to Re-victimisation of Women / Enhancing Trust in the Governmental Processes
  • Group 3: Strengthening of Interdepartmental and External Collaboration and Coordination
  • Group 4: Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism
  • Group 5: Legal Bottlenecks and Reforms

3.00 p.m. — Coffee Break

3.15 p.m. — Group Work Presentation on Thematic Areas 

4.15 p.m. — Critical Feedback and Comments by Experts 

• • Ms Apurva Vivek, Founder, Hashiya: Socio-Legal Centre for Women
  • Dr Anant Kr Pandey, HOD, Rural Management, XISS, Ranchi
  • Mrs Priti Srivastava, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, Ranchi

5.00 p.m. — Day 1 Concludes

Wednesday, 30 July, 2025

9:00 a.m. — Registration opens

9:45 a.m. — Day 1 Recap by CPPR Team

10:00 a.m. — Session 1: Strengthening Institutional Governance – Methods for Improving Processes and Outcomes 

Speaker: Dr Padma Deosthali, Senior Director, ICRW Asia

11.00 a.m. — Coffee Break

11.15 a.m. — Session 2: Advancing Women’s Safety and Mobility in Cities

Speaker: Ms Rwitee Mandal, Senior Urban Designer, Safetipin, Delhi

12.15 a.m. — Session 3: Cyber Safety for Women – Realities of Jharkhand

Speaker: Smt Neha Bala, Dy.S.P, Cyber Crime – CID, Ranchi

1:00 p.m. — Lunch Break 

2.00 p.m. — Panel Discussion: “Bridging Gaps, Building Systems: A Roadmap to Address VAWG in Jharkhand”

Panellists:

• • Mr Anup Hore, Plan India State Lead, Jharkhand & Bihar Institute of Social Service, Ranchi
  • Mr. Suresh Behera, CTO, Cyber Peace Foundation
  • Mr Rohit Kumar, Deputy Secretary, JHALSA
  • Dr Raj Shree Verma, Associate Professor, XISS, Ranchi
  • Ms Noopur Gunjan Ekka, State Nodal for Gender Mainstreaming, JSLPS
  • Mrs Rafat Farzana, Coordinator ARSH & PCPNDT, NHM, Ranchi

Moderator: Dr D Dhanuraj

3.15 p.m. — Session 4: Violence against Tribal Women – Institutional Responses

Speaker: Ms Akriti Karishma Lakra, Adivasi Feminist & Independent Researcher

4:15 p.m. — Concluding Remarks and Vote of Thanks by D Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR

4.30 p.m. —  Evening Tea and Snacks, Day 2 Workshop Concludes