Dimapur, Dec. 2: Women Helpline 181, under the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) kicked off its observation of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign on November 25 coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The campaign will culminate on December 10 coinciding with Human Rights Day.
In order to let women live a life free from violence, Women Helpline 181 has taken the initiative to join the world in observing the global activism. On the first day of activism, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and the State Resource Centre for Women (nodal agency for implementing Women Helpline 181 in the State), along with Nagaland Development Foundation launched its ‘Mission Effloresce’ and 1st Generation Women Entrepreneur, affirming that investing in women’s economic empowerment will set a path towards gender equality. Kiyanilie Peseyie, Minister of Social Welfare, was the chief guest.
The day was also made notable through the introduction of the Sakhi - One Stop Centre in Kohima – the second One Stop Centre in the State, which aims to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence both in private and public spaces under one roof.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed every year on November 25 as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in honor of the three Mirabal sisters, who were brutally murdered in 1960 for their political activism against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. The idea behind observing this very day is to take cognizance of all human cruelties and raise awareness about the various forms of violence that women are subjected to and also to underline that the scale and true nature of the issue is often hidden.
At this juncture, where cases of violence against women are on rise in the State, implementing the Women Helpline 181 by the State Resource Centre for Women was termed timely. Women who are victims of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race, culture, and geography will be provided support. Under the umbrella of this scheme, a woman facing any kind of violence due to attempted honour related crimes, acid attacks, witch hunting, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, trafficking etc. will also be provided with immediate and emergency services.
Since its launch in June 2016, Women Helpline has received thousands of calls for various kinds of cases, out of which, cases of domestic violence has been the highest.
Considering the present status of women and violence and also realising the fact that violence against women is a violation of Human Rights, Women Helpline 181, in its attempt to contribute towards curbing the menace, has over the past eight days, been reaching out to the general masses through open house in various colonies across Kohima as well as going door to door to convey the message of Women Helpline 181. It has also been distributing IEC materials to the masses to educate and sensitise as many as possible.
The team will continue its activism for the next 8 days, which will culminate on December 10. Women Helpline 181 reported that the response received so far has been very positive and encouraging as people have expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude which is being initiated out of genuine care and concern for women and hoped that violence against women will become a thing of the past.
