More than 700 women and students attended an ENWO-led sensitisation programme in Mokokchung on child protection and women empowerment.
MOKOKCHUNG — Over 700 women and students participated in a sensitisation programme on child protection and women empowerment organised by the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO), Mokokchung unit, on Saturday.
The programme was held in collaboration with SANKALP–District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), and Sakhi One Stop Centre, Mokokchung, at Aongza Ki.
In her keynote address, Yingphe Konyak, president of the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and children.
She called upon participants to collaborate in building a society free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
The technical sessions featured insightful presentations by experts from various departments.
Moamenla Longkumer, district mission coordinator, DHEW Mokokchung, highlighted various women-centric government schemes and programmes aimed at the welfare and empowerment of women.
Wangshinaro Yaden, centre administrator of Sakhi One Stop Centre, Mokokchung, spoke on gender-based violence and child marriage.
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She raised awareness about legal provisions, available support services, and the critical need to report incidents of abuse.
Imnatula, district supervisor at DCPU–Child Helpline, delivered a detailed session on child protection and child labour.
She elaborated on children’s rights, the detrimental effects of child labour, and the vital role communities play in preventing child abuse and exploitation.
She also explained key legal frameworks, including the Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act, Child Labour Act, and Child Marriage Act.
Imnatula highlighted the services offered by the 1098 Child Helpline and urged the public to report any cases of children in need of care and protection.
She appealed to the audience to prioritise education for children rather than engaging them as labourers and stressed the importance of awareness regarding POCSO cases, including the penalties and relevant sections under which offenders are prosecuted.
A Mandang Phom, president of ENWO Mokokchung unit, delivered the welcome address.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants actively engaged with the resource persons to clarify their doubts.