Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), in collaboration with the Rengma Mothers’ Association (RMA) and supported by the National Commission for Women (NCW), organised a one-day legal awareness programme in Tseminyu town on October 28.
Delivering the keynote address at the programme, NSCW chairperson Khrienuo Tachü introduced the NSCW, which was constituted through the Nagaland Women Commission Act 2006 to uplift and safeguard the girl child and to empower and protect the interests of women in Nagaland.
Encapsulating the NSCW objectives, the chairperson remarked that the commission was committed to empowering Naga women via an inclusive growth by fostering complementary and positive involvement of all stakeholders in the Naga society. She emphasised on the importance of education in order to move forward as individuals and as a society.
The chairperson also highlighted the importance of educating the girl child to create a fair and just society. She encouraged both women and men to take responsibility and work together to create an equal and better future for their children.
Khrienuo specifically addressed the issues and problems of gender inequality and women rights at the grassroots. She was of the opinion that concrete results could be achieved by building bridges and mutual dialogue between men and women despite the challenges posed by customs and traditions. She further stated that unless Naga women and men learn to work together and create space for one another, women empowerment and gender equality would never be realised.
Toli K Assumi, administrator of Sakhi-OSC Kohima, spoke on "Gender based violence and services of Sakhi- one stop centre (OSC)" wherein she described various forms of gender-based violence: physical and verbal abuse, sexual harassment, economic, psychological and emotional violence. On OSC, Toli gave a brief introduction on the legal, medical, police services, counselling etc., available especially for aggrieved women who experience any form of violence.
She further made aware on the emergency helpline 181: a toll-free women helpline number.
Dr. Asünü Thong, senior specialist at District Hospital Wokha, spoke on "Health Education'' by emphasising on social responsibility regarding the Covid-19 vaccine and the importance of breastfeeding.
She briefed on various diseases like tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hypertension etc., and highlighted on medical aids provided by the government particularly the Ayushman Bharat (health insurance scheme).
Asünü also encouraged people to create awareness, seek professional help and avoid self- medication. Stating that most diseases are attributed to one's lifestyle, she advised to take care of their physical, mental, social and spiritual health.
Xavior Kent, advocate of Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, took the session on "Legal Literacy." He shared about the fundamental rights entitled to every citizen and stressed upon the legal rights of women such as the right to equal pay for equal work, right against workplace harassment and domestic violence, right to get free legal aid etc. He also highlighted the Right to Education and the objectives of the district legal service authority to provide equal justice and free legal aid.
The programme was chaired by NSCW member Chongliu, while the NSCW secretary and joint secretary of Social Welfare department Bodeno S Colo delivered the concluding remarks and the vote of thanks was delivered by RMA president Sojule Tep.
NSCW team also visited the community health centre in Tseminyu town and interacted with the doctors and nurses.