The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit-II of Acharya Narendra Dev Nagar Nigam Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Harsh Nagar, Kanpur, in collaboration with the Psychology Department, organized a programme on the Establishment of the Mahila Help Desk on November 7, 2025. The event aimed to raise awareness among students regarding women’s safety, support services, and the role of help desks in ensuring accessible grievance redressal for girls and women. The programme began with an inaugural address by Prof. (Dr.) Ritambhara, Principal of the college, who emphasized the importance of women-centric support systems in educational institutions. She highlighted that the Mahila Help Desk would function as a safe and accessible space for girls to seek guidance, emotional support, and timely intervention in situations involving harassment, psychological distress, or any safety-related concerns. To ensure efficient setup, essential materials such as awareness charts, informational flex banners, and a secure complaint box were arranged in the Help Desk area. A grievance register for documentation and small teacher identification tokens were also prepared. Since around 55 participants, including teachers and students, attended the programme, light refreshments were thoughtfully organized to create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for everyone present. Organizational Structure of the Mahila Help Desk 1. Coordinators Senior faculty members will serve as Coordinators: • Prof. Arti Saxena • Prof. Sangita Awasthi • Prof. Archana Saxena • Prof. Anjita Singh 2. Student Representatives Selected girl students from each Faculty will support coordination and communication. 3. Counsellor / Psychological Advisor The Psychology Department and Physical Education Department will assist through counseling, awareness activities, and emotional support. 4. Patron The Principal will serve as the official Patron of the Mahila Help Desk. 5. Other Members Faculty from multiple departments will contribute to ensure multidisciplinary support. Major Functions of the Mahila Help Desk • Listening to students’ concerns and ensuring proper grievance redressal. • Organizing self-defense training camps for girl students. • Conducting awareness programmes on health, hygiene, and emotional well-being. • Hosting seminars on cyber security and safe use of social media. • Installing and maintaining a confidential Complaint Box for students. • Keeping proper registers for grievance documentation. Implementation Process Proposal and Approval The establishment proposal will be passed and approved by the college administration. Appointment of Coordinators and Members Faculty coordinators, student representatives, and support staff will be appointed. Allocation of Space The Help Desk will be set up at a safe and accessible location, equipped with a flex banner, awareness charts, a complaint box, essential stationery, and identification tokens for coordinators. Operational Mechanism • The Help Desk will operate two days a week. • A complaint register and online grievance form will be maintained. • Coordinators will use identification tokens during duty hours. • For activities and awareness sessions, light refreshments will be arranged, especially when participant numbers are around 50–55. Expected Outcomes The establishment of the Mahila Help Desk is expected to bring about several meaningful and long-lasting outcomes within the college environment. First and foremost, it will enhance the sense of safety, confidence, and empowerment among girl students by assuring them that dedicated support, guidance, and grievance redressal mechanisms are readily available whenever needed. This initiative will help nurture a gender-sensitive and respectful campus atmosphere where students feel protected, valued, and encouraged to voice their concerns without fear or hesitation. Over time, the presence of a formal support system, combined with awareness programmes, counseling sessions, and self-defense training, is anticipated to significantly reduce incidents of harassment, cyber bullying, discrimination, and other safety-related challenges faced by young women. Additionally, through regular workshops on women’s rights, mental health, emotional well-being, cyber safety, and legal awareness, students will develop stronger knowledge, self-advocacy skills, and resilience. Overall, the Mahila Help Desk will contribute to creating a safer, more informed, and empowering educational environment that supports the holistic development and well-being of all girl students.