Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID), with the support of National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM), Nagaland region, observed ‘Hope Day’ on Friday at the Assisi auditorium on the theme “Together towards gender equality.”
Addressing the gathering, the resource person Nikita Engheepi, who is an advocate by profession, has stressed on the need for gender equality. She shared that gender inequality starts from childhood, whereby the image of boy and girl were categorised by blue and pink colours.
“Education is preferred more to a male child than female. Who makes the differences?” Engheepi questioned.
Attributing lack of opportunities, she has held the women in power accountable for the prevailing circumstances. She was of the opinion that elders should raise children equally.
Sr. Pramila, in her welcome address, expressed that there are many instances wherein numerous number of children particularly female or girl child were terminated in the womb. She added that girl child is denied of God’s given right to live happily and peacefully even when they are born.
While advocating gender equality for equal opportunity, she urged the parents to give a girl child hope. She also urged the male children to respect and love their female siblings who too have right to live, hope and enjoy equal life’s opportunity as human beings.
She further appealed to the concerned authority to uphold the same principle of equal right, equal opportunity for all.
Chandini, CRM member, has sought change in social attitude towards women. She was of the view that with proper education, the door to many new opportunities would be opened up for women.
“Not only women but if proper education is imparted to men as well then there will be no question of gender inequality. For full gender equality in India, both men and women must work together and bring positive changes in the society. Let us begin from each one us. Let us not discriminate and allow us to be discriminated. Let us become voice to one another,” Chandini said.
The day’s event was marked with presentation of different cultural items. Altogether, 260 participants including CRM members, SHG members, ANDWU members and the leaders attended the programme. (Dimapur, EMN)