Dimapur, Oct. 11 (EMN): Commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, the state resource centre for women (SRCW), under the aegis of the Nagaland state social welfare board (NSSWB) organised a programme at Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School, Kohima on the theme, ‘with her: a skilled girl force’.
The State Coordinator of SRCW, Gracy Ayee introduced the Beti Bachao,Beti Padhao (save the girl child; educate her) and the Nagaland Adolescent Girls’ Club (NAGC). She stressed on the different forms of violence that is taking place every day.
Saying that women and girls are vulnerable to all forms of violence, Ayee encouraged the participants on the importance of education as a means of empowerment. “When you have education, you are empowering yourself,” she said.
A topic on Child Sexual Abuse and (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act) 2012 (POCSO) was highlighted by AjabuTungoe of SRCW.She briefed on the importance of the Act and that Child Sexual Abuse can occuranywhere including the schools, at home or in the streets.
Renthunglo Kikon of 181 Women Helpline,while deliberating on safe sex and healthy lifestyle, encouraged that one should not shy away from attaining the information on ‘sex education.’
Cerina Belho of Women Helpline explained on the importance of health and personal hygiene to the girls and the developmental changes they undergo during adolescent stage.
A brief introduction on 181 Women Helpline, a 24 hour emergency response service, and Sakhi- One Stop Centre that provides integrated support for women affected by violence was presented by ChothalüPhesao and Toli K Assumi respectively. A short demonstration on ‘sexual abuse’ was shown to the students on ‘how the women Helpline and Sakhi- One Stop Centre functions’. The act further exhibited how cases are tackled and referred to the appropriate agencies.
The Associate Director of Mt. Hermon Hr. Sec School, Wunchipem Raman thanked the SRCW for conducting the special workshop for the students, this was stated in a press release received here on Thursday.