Phek district pledges to save girl child and educate her

Dimapur, Oct. 12 (EMN): In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) and the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) in collaboration with the Phek District Administration organised an awareness programme on violence against women and children on Oct. 11, under the banner of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) – Daughters of New India with special emphasis on the theme “Let’s talk about health for all”.
During the programme, Child Development Project Officer Phek Kenei Zumu said because of the high number of severely malnourished children, Phek district has been identified as a ‘high burden district’.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS –IV, 2015-16), he informed that 38.4 percent of the children under age group of five are stunted (low height for age) and 21 percent are wasted (low weight for height) and 35.7 percent are underweight (low weight for age). Zumu also emphasized on the importance of breastfeeding and highlighted major schemes under the Social Welfare department related to nutrition of mother and child.
ADC Phek Mathung Tsanglao said increasing number of crime against women and children contradicts women empowerment. He cautioned that empowerment does not necessarily mean confronting the menfolk, however, men must realize the need to empower women. He affirmed the continued support of the district administration and further encouraged the gathering to be ambassadors of girl child and women.
Chairperson of NSSWB Bano Vinito while delivering keynote address lamented on the reality of increasing violence against women and children. She stressed on the importance of giving equal care and attention in raising a girl and a boy child in order to achieve gender equality. Emphasizing on the theme, she encouraged the women leaders to lead by example starting in their own family and encouraged them to also create awareness in their respective wards and churches.
Representing the Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA), Rüyizolü Rakho, general secretary shared concerns of women and children and noted that if women are free from violence, families and society will flourish and if women share equal rights with men, societal problems and issues will be resolved. She also said that the association’s objective is to strive for the human rights of women.
Para Legal Volunteer, Phek Diezekho Vadeo shared on the services of the Nagaland State Legal Service Authority and further stressed on the legal entitlements of the women.
Helpline Manager of Women Helpline 181 Nagaland Lanuienla Imchen presented a power point presentation on the schemes and programmes for women and children with special emphasis on BBBP, Women Helpline 181 & Sakhi- One Stop Centre and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
The programme concluded with the BBBP oath taking, to save the girl child and to educate her. The programme was attended by women, mothers and church leaders of various tribes.