‘Empowering Women and Girls with Autism’ mark ‘World Autism Day’ at AJIMS/RC
‘Empowering Women and Girls with Autism’ mark ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre-Mangaluru {AJIMS/RC}
Mangaluru: In November 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution drawing attention to the particular challenges that women and girls with disabilities face in the context of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The resolution expressed concern that women and girls with disabilities, are subject to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, which limit their enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The 2018 World Autism Awareness Day, an initiative of United Nations will focus on the importance of empowering women and girls with autism and involving them and their representative organizations in policy and decision making to address these challenges.
The World Autism Awareness Day was organized at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre-Mangaluru, on Monday, 2 April 2018 where the programme began with a prayer sung by Ann Martin. In his address Dr Ashok Hegde-Dean of the AJIMS said, ” Globally, women are more likely to experience physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence than men, and women and girls with disabilities experience gender-based violence. As a result of inaccessibility and stereotyping, women and girls with disabilities are persistently confronted with barriers to sexual and reproductive health services and to information on comprehensive sex education, particularly women and girls with intellectual disabilities including autism. Through dynamic moderated discussions with experts and advocates, the observance will examine the particular challenges that women and girls with autism face in this context. Other key issues to be addressed include challenges and opportunities in fully exercising rights in matters relating to marriage, family and parenthood on an equal basis with others” added Dr Hegde.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries for the occasion, namely : Dr Prashanth Marla- MD of AJ Hospital and Research Centre, along with Dr Ashok Hegde- Dean of AJIMS; Dr S Soans-President of Indian Association of Paediatrics/HOD of Paediatrics at AJIMS; Dr Sachidananda; Dr Shilpa Hegde; among others. A skit was performed by the students highlighting about Autism. Dr Soans and Dr Shilpa Hegde spoke about the early treatment and diagnosis which would prevent Autism at an early stage.
A book on Autism was released by Dr Afarin Vaz- the 2015 Miss India and also the PG student at AJIMS-The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Pooja, and the programme was compered by Swathi.