Kohima observes International Day of the Girl Child, urging an end to child marriage and stronger protection for girls.
DIMAPUR — The Kohima District Administration, in collaboration with SANKALP-District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Sakhi-One Stop Centre (OSC) and the Social Welfare department, observed the International Day of the Girl Child at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Kohima on October 12, with a call to end child marriage and strengthen the protection and empowerment of girls.
Organised on the global theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girl’s Rights,” the programme focused on amplifying girls’ voices, promoting their rights and addressing the discrimination and human rights challenges they continue to face, a DIPR report stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Level Committee (DLC) for Mission Shakti, Kohima, B Henok Buchem, stressed the importance of educating and empowering girls, stating that educating a girl benefits not only the individual but also generations to come.
Citing the proverb, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” he highlighted the lasting impact of women’s contributions to society.
Buchem also shared the story of his late mother, who pursued her studies to become a nurse and serve the community, leaving behind a legacy of humility, service and sacrifice.
Drawing from his administrative experiences, he recounted encounters with vulnerable families, including a child who lost both parents during the pandemic and a struggling single-parent household. He urged participants to support such families through personal initiatives and available government welfare schemes.
Highlighting the ongoing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive to prevent cervical cancer, Buchem expressed concern over the low level of public awareness and called for widespread sensitisation. He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to ending child marriage and building a safer and more equitable society.
During the technical sessions, Wapanginla Kichu, member of the Child Welfare Committee, outlined the fundamental rights of children, including education, protection, equality, expression, healthcare and development.
She also highlighted legal safeguards against child labour, sexual harassment and child marriage.
Vimenu Richa, Centre Administrator of OSC Kohima and Master Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
She highlighted the continuing challenges of child marriage and child labour in India and urged stakeholders to look beyond officially reported cases to understand the full extent of the problems.
Sunjib Rana, advocate and panel lawyer for the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
He stated that more than 70% of perpetrators in cases under the Act were known to the victims, including family members, neighbours, relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Rana urged educational institutions to facilitate early detection of abuse and encourage open dialogue.
He stressed the need to sensitise children and parents about child protection and appealed to NGOs and community organisations not to obstruct legal proceedings in such cases.
He also reminded the media of its legal obligation to protect the identities of victims.
Akhonuo Pfusenuo, a recipient of the “Educate Her, Empower Her” Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scholarship, delivered a speech titled “End Child Marriage: Let Girls Dream, Learn and Lead.”
The programme was chaired by EAC Kohima Ane Khieya, while Anyile Khamo, District Programme Officer and District Nodal Officer for Mission Shakti, delivered the welcome address.