<p class="bodytext">Dharwad: Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Lad has called for the effective expansion of the Akka Pade programme across the district to prevent atrocities against women and children and create a safe environment for women.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Inaugurating an intensive self-defence demonstration by women home guards working under the Akka Pade initiative at Kadamba Stadium of JSS College here on Saturday, Lad said awareness programmes should be conducted regularly in schools and colleges.