District hospitals’ Sakhi Centres empower women

Chandigarh: In a case highlighting the crucial role of Sakhi One Stop Centres (OSCs), an 18-year-old girl from Fatehgarh Sahib was rescued and received justice with the help of the Sakhi Centre at the district hospital. Married just after turning 18, she endured a horrific experience when her father-in-law raped her with her husband’s consent. Unable to approach the police, she sought assistance at the Sakhi Centre, where she received urgent support.
The Sakhi Centre provided immediate medical aid, legal assistance, and police support, expediting her case. This tragic incident underscores the vital role such centers play in offering refuge to women and girls facing unimaginable abuse, serving as essential interfaces for women in distress by providing necessary help under one roof.
State Coordinator Dr. Rajvir Singh emphasized the accessibility of these centres, particularly for women hesitant or fearful about approaching police stations. He stated, “Women who are reluctant to reach out to the police due to societal pressures or fear can now easily access Sakhi Centres located in hospitals.” He noted that most cases involve girls under 18 who have suffered atrocities, which are forwarded to the Child Welfare Committee and handled under the provisions of the POCSO Act.
Since the inception of the Sakhi One Stop Centre Scheme in 2017, more than 20,000 women have been served at each OSC across Punjab. These centres provide immediate, emergency, and non-emergency access to services, offering a wide range of assistance, including medical, legal, psychological, and counseling support. Women facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, or other forms of exploitation can reach out to the 181 Women Helpline to access these facilities.
A significant initiative of this program is its comprehensive nature. Dr. Baljit Kaur, Social Security, Women and Child Development Cabinet Minister of Punjab, stated, “Our efforts must make sure that women and teenage girls in distress have safe places where they can be assured of help without judgment or fear.” She also mentioned that special camps will be arranged in collaboration with the Employment Generation Department, Skill Development Department, Ayurvedic Department, Rural Development Department, and Local Government Departments. These camps will provide information about key government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, One Stop Centre Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, nutrition programs, child-related schemes, and pension schemes.
Currently, OSCs are sanctioned for all 23 districts of Punjab, with all centers operational. Most centers are located within civil hospitals, but the government is constructing separate buildings to accommodate their functioning. Of the 23 buildings planned, 20 have been completed. In Mansa and SAS Nagar, construction is behind schedule due to land issues, while in Malerkotla, a new OSC was sanctioned in March 2022 for the newly formed district.
The centres are witnessing an increasing number of women and adolescent girls seeking help, reflecting growing awareness of their services. Cases of domestic violence, rape, and dowry-related harassment remain the most common. Yet, the centres have proven to be more than just service providers—they are sanctuaries where women can rebuild their confidence and access justice.
One of the Sakhi Centres’ greatest strengths is their ability to act swiftly. By combining medical aid, legal assistance, police support, and psychological counseling under one roof, they eliminate the need to navigate multiple agencies. Cases are handled efficiently, with a high success rate of resolution through counseling.
Beyond direct service delivery, these centers promote broader awareness of women’s rights and empower women to speak against abuse. Through unique outreach programs, camps, and collaboration with other government agencies, they increase awareness among women of their legal rights and available support structures. By considering each individual case, these integrated services contribute to larger cultural shifts toward gender equity and justice.
The story of the 18-year-old girl from Fatehgarh Sahib is a stark reminder of the challenges women continue to face in society. But it also testifies to the life-changing role that Sakhi Centres can play. For women like her, these centres represent hope, safety, and a path to justice.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding and enhancing these facilities: “Every woman deserves life with dignity and freedom from fear. These centres have been our efforts so that none of the women feels vulnerable in front of adversities.”
As Punjab continues to strengthen support systems for women, the Sakhi One Stop Centres are at the forefront of this mission. With growing reach and increasing awareness among women and girls, they prove to be a crucial instrument in the fight against gender-based violence. For every woman who walks through their doors, these centres offer not only immediate relief but also the reassurance that she is not alone in her fight for justice and dignity.