Alice Yhoshu
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 10
The fortnight observation on Elimination of Violence against Women which began on November 25 in Tuensang, organized by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), concluded today in Kohima.
The sixteen-day global campaign commences from the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, raising awareness about the fact that women around the world are subject to different forms of violence, and culminates on Human Rights Day on December 10 each year.
In Nagaland, the NSCW organized the launching programme of the fortnight campaign this year at Tuensang and has conducted follow-up programmes at Longkhim and Mokokchung to create awareness and promote advocacy for the cause. The culminating programme of the fortnight’s activities was held at the Yimchunger Baptist Church Kohima on Thursday.
In her keynote address, NSCW chairperson Dr. Temsula Ao highlighted about the fortnight observation and a brief history on the Human Rights Day. She explained that the connection of the sixteen-days of activism starting from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women joining with the universal Human Rights Day is based on the principle that women’s rights are human rights, that human rights are relevant to all the people, both men and women.
Talking about different forms of violence against women, Dr. Temsula said violence is not confined to physical abuse but includes verbal and emotional abuse as well. She said in India, despite the enactment of different laws, many types of violence are still prevalent in the society infringing upon women’s rights as well as human rights, such as child marriage, trafficking of women to big cities for prostitution, abuse sprouting from dowry system, domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment at workplace, discrimination in participation and entitlements etc.
Even in Nagaland, she said, though the people claim that the Naga society has progressed a lot, many similar forms of violence against women are highly prevalent. She also lamented that victimized women are made to suffer as “double victims” where their own families prevent them from making public complaints in order not to bring shame on the family’s name.
“We must come out and fight for our rights,” she asserted, adding, “We are asking for our own rights, not for others’ rights….To give us our human rights, protect us, and save us from atrocities.”
Touching upon the theme of this year’s fortnight campaign ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All’, the NSCW chairperson emphasized on the importance of educating every child equally without gender bias. She said the Naga society is showing positive sign towards this as the people today give equal schooling opportunity to both the girl child and boy child.
Dr. Temsula also pointed out that many Naga women are educated and are holding high positions in the society but they are yet to be equal with men in the true sense as women have no voice in decision making bodies such as village councils, municipals, legislative assembly etc. This, she maintained, is not just the fault of men alone, and she stressed that women on their part, need to be brave and learn to assert their rights.
Underscoring that information is power, she encouraged all to equip themselves of information, be it by books, radio, newspapers, internet via computer or phone, through discussions, and create awareness.
NSCW legal consultant, Khriesinuo Kire highlighted about the provisions in the Constitution of India for the protection and development of women. She cited some specific Articles in the Constitution that ensures equality as well as grants rights for women against discrimination or disadvantages, including Article 14- Equality before law which means a woman be treated equally as a man and not be discriminated on grounds of gender; Article 15(1)- The State not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them; Article 15(3)- The State to make any special provision in favour of women and children; and Article 16- Equal opportunity to all citizens, men or women in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.
“These are our fundamental rights and if they are violated, we can move the High Court or even the Supreme Court. And further, under Article 51 A (e), a fundamental duty is imposed on every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women,” the young lawyer said.
She also mentioned the Article 39(a) of the Constitution of India which requires the State to direct its policy towards securing for both men and women equally the right to an adequate means of livelihood; Article 39(d)- Equal pay for equal work; Article 42- the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief; Article 46- To promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation; Article 242D and 243T- Reservation of seats for women.
Stressing on the last two articles, Khriesinuo pointed out that Nagaland is still struggling to get the 33% women reservation bill to the municipal council even after it was passed by the state legislative assembly, one of the main reasons being the claim that it goes against the Naga customary laws. Making a mention of the Article 371 (A) of the Constitution, she said proper analysis of the last part of the Article provides for flexibility, if the NLA by a resolution decides so. However since the there has not been a single woman legislator since Nagaland attained its statehood (1963), she feels it may be difficult to see through the gender lens as all decision makers are males.
“If this be the case, that by implementing 33% reservation of seats in the Municipal Council is against our customary laws and practices, then even having a municipality in the state or for that matter, the Nagaland legislature, is against our customary practices as according to it, we the Nagas should be governed by the village Chiefs/Anghs!” she stated.
The legal consultant said if the Nagas are to ensure their rights provided under the Constitution, it becomes imperative to educate the people including the younger generation and unite undr one platform- Education. She went on to explain about the Right to Education Act which came into force in 2010, providing a platform to reach the unreached, with specific provisions for disadvantaged groups, and also serves as a building block to ensure that every child has his/her right as an entitlement to get quality education, and that the state, with the help of families and communities, fulfils this obligation. She also cited Article 21A as well as Article 51A(k) of the Constitution which deals with ensuring compulsory education opportunities for every child.
Eastern Nagaland Women Organization Kohima president, who gave a brief speech on the occasion, called for the need to educate the people on gender equality, starting from the home. Stating that the Bible tells us that God created humans in His image, she underscored that this message must be understood and teachings in the family, the first institution of life, must include the principles of equality and respect for both males and females.
Sangtam Baptist Church associate pastor, Aienla spoke on the three types of violence that she observes is dominant in the Naga society- self-directed violence which is prevalent in the nature of adapting to/accepting violence as part of life; collective violence, where the Naga society, patriarchal in nature has sort of made an indentation that women are lower beings than men; and finally inter-personal violence, which ranges from the homes between husband and wife, children and parents, brothers and sisters, between neighbours etc. She expressed concern that many people unconsciously sow the seeds of prejudice between genders and women are oppressed in many ways, but in a Christian perspective, the oppressors are also oppressed as they are not able to live life to the fullest.
While stating that change cannot happen overnight and lots of sensitization need to be done, at the same time, Aienla said, the people cannot afford to be ignorant or arrogant. She said only an egalitarian approach can take the society forward. She also feels that true liberation will come by when both genders accept that both are unique in their own way and they learn to complement one another
The programme was chaired by NSCW member Asangla Cholong while S Anungla of CLBK invoked God’s blessings and the summing up note was read out by NSCW member Kakheli Jakhalu.
