The Andhra Pradesh government has taken another crucial step toward empowering women - launching the Gender Resource Centres (GRCs) program to address the social, economic and psychological challenges faced by women across the state.
The Gender Resource Centres are special local hubs set up in each Assembly constituency to support women in facing financial, social and mental-health issues. The centres aim to be one-stop points for help, advice and intervention on matters ranging from harassment to inheritance rights and employment.
Provide legal aid and counseling to women facing harassment or domestic violence.
Prevent practices like child marriage and other forms of gender-based exploitation.
Facilitate access to education, training and employment opportunities for women.
Promote the principle of equal pay for equal work and raise awareness of women's rights to property and inheritance.
Offer guidance on nutritious diet, health and well-being for women and girls.
The GRCs will be operated under the aegis of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). Each centre is to be managed by a committee of five women officials including a Chairperson, Secretary and other members. Women from self-help groups or local organizations will serve as resource persons. In cases of urgent need, temporary shelter facilities may also be arranged.
| Service | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Child Marriage Prevention | Outreach and counselling to stop early marriages. |
| Harassment/Abuse Support | Assistance for mental or physical abuse, legal advice. |
| Higher Education Promotion | Encouragement & support for girls to continue schooling/training. |
| Equal Pay Advocacy | Awareness campaigns & support for fair wages. |
| Property & Inheritance Rights | Help women understand and claim their rights. |
| Nutrition Awareness | Guidance on healthy diets and women's & children's nutrition. |
With initiatives such as free bus travel for women, subsidised gas cylinders and low-interest loans for women entrepreneurs already in place, the GRCs represent the next phase in the state's women-empowerment agenda - moving beyond financial measures to holistic social and mental security for women.