DIMAPUR — The
culmination of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and Human
Rights Day was observed in Tseminyu, Longleng and Dimapur on Tuesday.
The event at Tseminyu town hall was attended by Martha R
Ritse, secretary of Social Welfare, as the special guest, wherein she
inaugurated a flower show as well as graced an arm wrestling and baking
competitions.
On the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence,
she highlighted the need to fight against such violence daily. She stated that
women and girls represent half of the world’s population and potential and
underscored the importance of equal access to education, healthcare and
politics for women, a DIPR report stated.
She also noted that Human Rights Day is observed every year
on December 10, following its adoption by the United Nations in 1948.
While discussing the issue of gender-based violence, she
pointed out that the highest reported cases involve cybercrime and domestic
violence. She stressed that addressing violence against women and girls
required public intervention to reduce discrimination within society
effectively.
In her keynote address, W Nginyeih Konyak, chairperson of
the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), highlighted that during the 16
days of activism, various events were conducted aimed at addressing issues of
discrimination and violence against women and girls.
She further emphasised that Human Rights Day—adopted in
1948—champions equal rights for all, regardless of gender, and called for
collective action to eliminate gender inequality. She also encouraged women to
speak out and assert their rights within society.
The welcome address was delivered by the deputy commissioner
of Tseminyu, Rohit Singh, while Sonile Thyug, NSRLM area coordinator of
Chunlikha block, introduced the Naya Chetna 3.0 campaign, an initiative against
gender-based discrimination and violence.
Toshile Zhimomi, director of Social Welfare, spoke on
services for women and children under Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya and
the additional secretary of Social Welfare, Bodeno S Colo, provided insights
into addressing gender-based violence and offered a roadmap for moving forward.
In another programme, Longleng district administration,
District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) and Sakhi-One Stop Centre, in
convergence with Phomla Hoichem, an apex women body of the Phom community,
conducted several activities as part of 16 days of activism against
gender-based violence on thetheme
“Toward Beijing+30: Unite to end violence against women and girls.”
The activities included launch of International Day for
Elimination of Violence Against Women-cum-consultative meeting with all the
major functionaries under Social Welfare department, social media and poster
campaign and advocacy campaign at Sadar, Namsang and Tamlu block.
The week-long campaign culmination programme was held on
Tuesday at Lempong traffic point, followed by a walkathon with an aim to raise
awareness on gender–based violence.
Speaking on the occasion, the additional superintendent of
police, Longleng, Hiatwa Iralu, called upon all the stakeholders to actively
address all forms of violence against women. He also briefly discussed the
rights, laws and consequences for the offender and culprits.
The PBCA women secretary, Anghbenla Phom, spoke on the
issues and problems faced by women in public and workplaces and stated that
women are not safe even in their own home. She, therefore, called upon all the
stakeholders to raise their voice and fight violence against women and girl
child.
Former ENWO president, A Shamthai, also encouraged the
gathering to work together, support, unite and to foster the rights of women
and to be an agent of change in the society.
Meanwhile, the National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM),
Nagaland region also observed the International Human Rights Day at Assisi
auditorium in Dimapur on Tuesday on the theme "Our rights, our future,
right now."
The event was organised in collaboration with Dimapur
District Legal Services Authority, Assisi Centre for Integrated Development
(ACID) and All Nagaland Domestic Workers Union. The event highlighted the
importance of human rights and raised awareness about legal services and
cybercrime prevention.
Sr. Pramila, director of ACID cum NDWM, delivered the
welcome address, and officials from Dimapur DLSA including Sangto Longchar,
Rokovitsu Khate and Priya were the resource persons.
