DIMAPUR — The Sisterhood Network (SN), in
collaboration with International Indigenous Women Forum (FIMI), organised a
collective learning Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW) and General Recommendation No.39 (GR 39) on June 12 at Tourist Lodge,
Dimapur.
In a press release, the Sisterhood Network informed that the
workshop aimed to build awareness and understanding on the rights of indigenous
women and girls.
Participants of the workshop included members of SN,
Nagaland State Commission for Women, women police, representatives from the
churches, District Hub for Empowerment of Women, social workers and research
scholars.
The workshop facilitator Renemsongla Ozukum, in her
presentation, emphasised the CEDAW committee's efforts in promoting women's
rights and the importance of National Women's Commission and civil society
organisations. The discussion focused on General Recommendation 39 (GR 39),
highlighting the need for substantive equality and addressing classism,
hierarchy, and inequality.
The major focus of the discussion was on ‘Substantive
equality,’ a corrective measure of GR 39. Some key features of CEDAW GR 39
include recognition of specific types of discrimination; emphasis on self-
determination; free, prior, and informed consent and consultation, and call for
access to justice.
Ozukum stressed the importance of women to be aware of their
rights and to be specific about the discriminations they face. She highlighted
the need to address classism and promote a more inclusive and equitable
society, crucial for maintaining indigenous identity.
During the discourse, a researcher advocated for a holistic
justice framework that empowers women to participate equally in decision-making
bodies and peace building initiatives.
Representatives from the Nagaland State Commission for Women
emphasised the need to protect indigenous dialects, ensure land rights and
property justice for women, reform customary laws to eliminate gender
discrimination, and secure intellectual property rights for traditional
designs.
Azungla James, Director of SN, revealed alarming trends in
gender-based violence, stressing the need for policy implementation against
sexual harassment.
A 2019 survey of 600 women revealed that 62% of gender-based
violence occurred in public spaces, 26% at home, 16% in educational
institutions, and 2% at workplaces.
However, a 2024 follow-up survey of 202 participants showed
a stark shift, with violence at home surging to 57%, and most cases going
unreported to authorities.
“This alarming trend has become a major threat for women’s
safety, emphasising that without proper data and concrete evidence, it is
difficult to bring the harsh realities of women into light and work towards
change.
“This data presentation resulted in an appeal to implement
policy in all educational, religious and other institutions, organisations, and
workplaces against sexual harassment for protection irrespective of gender,”
the release stated.
The workshop was moderated by C Pihola Sangtam, Programme
Coordinator of SN.
The workshop concluded with a call to action from Azungla
James, and the need for continual support and interaction to bring about
meaningful recommendations, ensuring that voices are heard on larger platforms.
Witnessing the positive interactions during the discussion,
she accentuated the importance of putting more focus on interactive dialogues,
conversations, and seminars in driving progress.
She noted that discussion about justice is easy to put in
words, yet deliverance of justice becomes challenging. She encouraged and
motivated the participants to keep on spreading the awareness for justice
against any forms of gender based violence.
Appreciating the shared knowledge, wisdom and experiences
from the cohort team of collective learning, Azungla affirmed that these
contributions will assist likeminded institutions and organisations to work
more effectively towards gender justice.
