Odisha’s Women Commission Gets New Chairperson: Shovana Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, August 11(OT Webdesk)— Shovana Mohanty officially assumed office as the Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) on Monday, marking a pivotal moment for gender advocacy in the state.

Her appointment, announced by the Odisha government on August 5, comes with a tenure of up to three years.

Widely recognized for her decades-long commitment to women’s rights and grassroots activism, Mohanty’s leadership is expected to bring renewed momentum to the commission’s outreach and policy execution.

Government officials cited her collaborative reform style and extensive social work experience as key reasons for her selection.

Her immediate priorities include reviewing pending cases of gender-based violence, initiating mental health programs for rural women, and strengthening institutional response mechanisms.

Women’s organizations across Odisha have hailed the appointment as a progressive step toward inclusive governance.