KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 : Launching of ‘Mission Effloresce and 1st Generation Women Entrepreneurs’ and introduction of Sakhi – One Stop Centre, Kohima marked the observation of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women in Kohima on Friday. The day was observed on the theme ‘Orange the world: Raise money to end violence against women and girls’ at SIRD conference hall Kohima.
Presenting the grim reality of atrocities committed against women, Minister of Social Welfare Kiyaneilie Peseyie, who was s the chief guest of honour on the occasion, said violence against women arises mostly in families where they are dependent on abusive husbands or other men in their lives. He said unless women are economically independent and sound, it will continue for years to come.
Lauding the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) and the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) for launching the Mission effloresce and the 1st generation women entrepreneurs, he said this will go beyond creating awareness on gender based violence and providing referral services to women affected by violence.
Peseyie was also optimistic that it will take the Naga women beyond that of basic safety and security to a level where they can become economically independent, thereby boosting and empowering women entrepreneurs.
He added that this mission as a platform will help women realise their full entrepreneurial skills and achieve greater heights of success and also open doors of opportunity for the women entrepreneurs to contribute to the State’s economy.
In her keynote address, Social Welfare Secretary Dellirose M Sakhrie said violence is a consequence of discrimination against women and a glaring manifestation of gender disparities. While stating that women of Nagaland are no exception to this social menace, she said despite extensive commitments to curb gender based violence, many women and girls continue to suffer from physical and mental impacts of violence.
Stating that violence is perpetuated by a culture of intolerance and denial, Sakhrie has urged all members of the society for change of attitudes, especially men and boys, for a renewed call for greater equality between women and men.
Describing the programme as a unique event, NSSWB chairperson Bano Vinito said the various approaches adopted today are with the intent to pave the way in reducing and eliminating violence against women. These approaches, she said, will create avenues, providing space for tapping human resources, talents and capabilities which entail empowerment of women so that the role of women in any society is actualized to its optimum level.
Chairman & founder, Oranda-Global, APAX, CXO & Global Women Leaders Forum, Ajay Kumar Dhir, Deputy Commissioner Kohima Rovilatuo Mor and representatives from NABARD and SIDBI also spoke on the occasion.
With SRCW as the nodal agency for implementation, Sakhi- One Stop Centre, a centrally-sponsored scheme, aims to provide integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence in private and public space, within family, community and at the workplace.
The first OSC was established in Dimapur in 2015. OSC will facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counseling support under one roof to fight against any forms of violence against women. Mission Effloresce and The First Generation Women Entrepreneurs was launched towards providing a platform for potential women entrepreneurs in Nagaland, to foster their skills and dynamism, enhance their productivity and ultimately improving their economic status.
Today’s programme was jointly organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, State Resource Centre for Women, Women Studies Centre, Nagaland University and Nagaland Development Foundation.
