Women Helpline undertakes awareness prog

Dimapur, September 12: With the launching of the universalisation of Women Helpline (WHL) scheme and the Sakhi-One Stop Centre (OSC) by the State Governor, PB Acharya, on June 23, WHL team has begun its first phase awareness generation programmes beginning in Kohima. It may be mentioned that the State Resource Centre for Women is the nodal agency for implementing the said schemes in the State. The Women Helpline (181) is a universal number providing 24 -hour toll-free emergency response to all women and girls affected by violence both in public and private spheres through referral (linking with appropriate authority such as police, One Stop Centre, hospital, etc). Besides, information about women related government schemes and programmes across the country are also provided through a single uniform number- 181. The Sakhi-OSC is established in Dimapur in the premises of the District Hospital. The Sakhi-OSC has been providing integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence in private and public spaces within the family, community and at workplace. The Women Helpline-181 team has begun its awareness activities through open house, outreach programmes (house-to-house), as well as visiting schools and colleges. The first open house was initiated by CHILDLINE Kohima at the Police Union Baptist Church, New Reserve (Phesama), Kohima, on August 21, 2016 where the WHL-181 team also participated in creating awareness about the women helpline. The WHL-181 team also organised an awareness programme at Model Christian College (MCC) auditorium on August 31 in which the keynote address was delivered by Smt. Jamkhanmoi, Dean of Academics, MCC, while a brief introduction on 181 Women Helpline and Sakhi-One Stop Centre was delivered by Ms Lanuienla Imchen, Helpline Manager, WHL-181, followed by a power point presentation by Ms. Renthunglo Kikon, WHL-181 Call Responder, wherein she informed on the working mechanisms of the 181 Women Helpline. During the programme,Tstudents participated in a role-play portraying a case on domestic violence, where a live-call was made to the 181. Another awareness programme on WHL 181, Sakhi OSC, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), CHILDLINE 1098, and Iodine Deficiency Disorders was organised by the State Resource Centre for Women, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare on September 3 at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, in which a keynote address was delivered by Smt. Anungla Aier, Principal of Kohima Science College. In her address, Aier has termed it as the right platform to address any issues related to women and girls as they constituted the most vulnerable section in the society. She also stated that Naga men shy away from discussions on violence because they are often not included. An introduction to BBBP was made by Smt. Juliana Medom, Assistant State Coordinator, SRCW, while Ms Lanuienla Imchen, Helpline Manager of WHL-181, gave a brief overview on the status of women and violence in the country and in Naga society in particular. The Helpline Manager further stated that violence has become pervasive problem for women affecting women’s mental and physical health as well as their social and economic status. She further stated that women and girls experienced various types of violence in public and even in their own homes. She said prevalence of such instances impeded their freedom of movement. A power point presentation was made by Ms Meziwang Zeliang, WHL-181 Call Responder, on the working mechanisms and support services of 181 Women Helpline in Nagaland. An interaction session was also held followed by the participation of student groups in role play based on the topics of human rights, violence against women, cyber crime, stalking & domestic violence, as well as a quiz competition. Dr. Vezokho Kapu, coordinator of Childline Kohima, introduced the Childline Kohima to the audience. He informed that Childline Kohima had received around 800 calls, out of which 150 cases were registered. Dr. Aseno Rhetso, Nodal Officer, Kohima NIDDCP, Department of Health and Family Welfare, spoke on the importance of Iodine and made a power point presentation on Iodine Deficiency Disorders and demonstrated on the testing of Iodine. She also spoke on the prevention of leprosy considering the increasing new rate of infection in Dimapur and Kohima. She informed that treatment for leprosy is free and can be cured if detected and treated at the right time. In addition to the power point presentation, Dr. Akuo Sorhie, State Programme Officer, NIDDCP, Department of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the importance of Iodine, especially for a pregnant woman and for her unborn child. She concluded by saying, “It is a crime to let a child born mentally retarded,’ further urging “let us be the first to eradicate.” On September 8, WHL-181 team visited Dainty Buds Higher Secondary School as part of its awareness generation and outreach activity in which Ms Renthunglo Kikon chaired the programme, wherein a power point presentation on the working mechanism of 181 Women Helpline was made by Ms Chothalü Phesa-o, WHL-181 Senior Call Responder. The awareness programmes held in various platforms have been successful and the responses have been very positive. The awareness activities will continue in the coming months in order to reach out to the public so that women and girls in situations of violence can avail the services offered to them through the Women Helpline-181 and the Sakhi-OSC.