International day for elimination of violence against women observed in Nagaland

Dimapur, November 25: International day for the elimination of violence against women and launching the ’16 days of activism against gender-based violence’ on the theme ‘Towards Beijing +30: unite to end violence against women and girls’ was celebrated at SIRD auditorium, Kohima on November 25 with Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha as the special guest.

The 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness, challenging harmful social norms and promoting actions to end violence against women and girls. It is observed annually from November 25, which is International Day for the Elimination Of Violence Against Women and culminates on December 10, which is also the Human Rights Day. The campaign seeks to mobilize government organizations and individuals worldwide to speak out against violence for stronger laws and policies. The observance highlights the importance of collective action and accountability to create safer and more equitable societies for all.

Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha stressed on the challenges of evils happening in the state and across the country and said that the only solution is to come together and advocate fighting the challenges and address social evils.

He highlighted that Nagaland is seen as one of the safest state in the country, but those statistics seems to be false since there are many unseen violence to women at home and at the neighbourhood, which are not reported due to the stigma of our society.

He said, “We speak of our rich culture and heritage and often refer that the backbone of Naga society are women but the hard truth is that every day women gets abused,” adding, “If Naga society is to progress, we have to address the challenges of the women and girls, we have to sensitize the traditional intuitions, boost and motivate and ensure that women are independent. Naga society should collectively work for the dignity and respect the women to advance in all sphere of life.”

ADC Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori highlighting on the report of Kohima mentioned that 10 cases was reported last year and 12 cases were reported this year. He also stressed that every stakeholder in Nagaland has been making all efforts to stop and eliminate violence and crimes against women through various programs and initiatives such as enhanced level of awareness, increased sensitization, promoting advocacy, educating women and empowering them with the knowledge on their constitutional & legal rights, provisions & safeguards.

“In order to ensure elimination of violence & crimes against women, every one of us need to do our bit, we need to play our roles – at home, in the neighbourhood, at schools, in the church, in the community, anywhere and in every possible way,” he added.

He also called on every stakeholder to not give up on the fight and may be required to fight several battles in the quest for liberation of women and girls from all forms of violence but let us all take on the challenges earnestly and not give up, he added.

Kiphire:

The International day for Elimination of Violence Against Women was held at DC’s Conference Hall, Kiphire on November 25.

EAC Kiphire, Takatemjen Pongen, NCS in his speech emphasized on the theme ‘Unite to End Violence Against Women Campaign’ stating that is a multi-year effort aimed at raising public awareness and increasing political will and resources for preventing and ending violence against women and girls in all part of the world.

He also spoke on violence at work place, physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, economic violence etc.

“Violence against women and girls is not confirmed to a specific culture, region or country, or to a particular groups of women within a society, the roots of violence against women lie in general”, he said and encouraged all the women and girls to come forward and filed a case, if any untoward incident happened, which is violence against women at Sakhi – One Stop Centre Kiphire.

He added that the government is doing every possible help for the safety of women and girls in today’s digital India and concluded his speech with the Pledge for International Day for the elimination of violence against women with the members present.

Area Coordinator NSRLM, Kunyangli also spoke on gender discrimination, stating that discrimination against women and inequality in the distribution of power and resources between men and women are the root causes of violence against women. Gender discrimination in education even by the parents, where more privileges were given to boys than girls, he added.

CDPO i/c DPO, DWO Kiphire, Sienotho delivered the welcome address while Gender Specialist, DHEW Kiphire Albert Jingru gave a special presentation. Earlier Associate Pastor youth (Nito Mount ), Lino G. Chishi invoked God blessings. Vote of thanks was delivered by Centre Administrator, OSC Kiphire, Rolila S Sangtam and the program was moderated by Limitsung Sangtam, specialist in financial literacy DHEW, Mission Shakti, Kiphire.

Niuland:

In observance of International Day for elimination of violence against women and the launch of 16 days of activism against gender based violence, an awareness programme was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Niuland on November 25.

The keynote address was given by EAC Niuland, Kelengunuo Solo. A talk on Women’s Rights and legislation was given Allobo. K, Legal cum probation officer who enlightened the students about the rights and acts available to women and girls.

The programme ended with a note of thanks from the District welfare officer, Sentimenla Pongener.

(Page News Service)