Know Your Rights by Our Voix is the first ever comic book informing the children of their rights in a fun and interactive manner. The comic is created to fill the gap between lack of discussion between parents and children on topics of child rights and how to stay safe.The book launch also saw a number of panel discussions taking place among parents,children and child rights activist.
1st Panel Discussion on ‘Are Children Safe?’
Panelists – Ridhma from KR Mangalam School, Kashish from Bal Bharti Public School, Neeraj and Deepa from Shades of Happiness
Moderator – Jalaj from Our Voix
The panel discussion in its nature was about children for children and by children. The panel consisted of child activists who began the fight for child rights at a very young age. The discussion surrounded their experiences of feeling unsafe or uncomfortable inside school, at home or in areas they considered their own. They even touched upon how relevant bullying and ragging still is in classrooms and schools. The children urged parents to listen to what the child is saying without judging or questioning him/her.
2nd panel Discussion with the view of ‘Parents on Child Rights’
Panelists – Dr Anandita Anand, Child Psychologist at Ganga Ram Hospital, Ms. Aprajita Gautam, President, Delhi Parents Association and Ms Shashi, Department of Social Work, Delhi University
Moderator – Ms Megha Bhatia, Founder, Our Voix
The discussion consisted of the panellist’s experiences of facing issues regarding their children which they felt embarrassed and awkward while talking about. They derived on the conclusion that the parents first themselves need to be educated and aware to be able to talk to their children. They need to understand the right time and language they should talk in.
3rd Panel Discussion with a Legal Perspective
Panelists – Ms Jyoti Duhan Rathi, DCPCR member, Ms. Menu Mehta and Ms Simmi Garg From Child Welfare Committee
Moderator – Mr. Karandeep Bhagat, Center for Social Equity
Giving a legal perspective to the overall discussion, the panellists talked about the various articles in the constitution that secure child rights. They discussed Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, among others in great detail. The panel discussion touched on topics like support system, preventive measures, victim follow up etc.
With the book launch and a musical performance, the event ended on a high note.