The culmination program of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender – Based Violence and Observation of Human Rights Day 2024 was observed across Nagaland on 10 December.
In Mokokchung, the District Administration, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (Mission Shakti), and Shakhi -One Stop Centre, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), Mokokchung organised the culmination program at DCs Conference hall, Mokokchung.
The event, held under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” witnessed active participation from various stakeholders. The program aims to rise awareness and reaffirm collective commitment to ending gender – based violence and upholding human rights for all.
Advocate Molo Jamir , the keynote speaker, delivered an address on the theme, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring equal opportunities for a better future. He inspired attendees to take immediate and tangible steps towards creating a just and equitable society.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Mokokchung, Chumlamo Humtsoe addressed the gathering and highlighting the significance of the campaign and encouraging collaborative efforts to promote gender equality and protect human rights.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Imliyanger, District program Officer and District Nodal Officer of Mission Shakti from Social Welfare Department. The District Administration, DHEW and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a safer, more inclusive society and look forward to continued efforts in empowering communities and combating violence against women and children.
The program was chaired by Manenkala, Case Worker, Sakhi – One Stop Centre. The invocation was shared by Imyangerla Imsong, Area Coordinator, NSRLM while Yangerla delivered a special number.
In Tseminyu, the district administration organized it at Tseminyu Town Hall. Martha R Ritse, IAS, Secretary of Social Welfare, graced the event as the special guest.
She formally inaugurated a flower show, as well as graced an arm wrestling and baking competitions. In her speech, she emphasized that as Tseminyu is a new district, and, is the right time to establish key initiatives. Referring to the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, she highlighted the need to fight against such violence daily. She stated that women and girls represent half of the world’s population and highlighted the importance of equal access to education, healthcare, and politics for women.
She also noted that Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10, following its adoption by the United Nations in 1948. While discussing the issue of gender-based violence, she pointed out that the highest reported cases involve cybercrime and domestic violence. She announced that Tseminyu has received approval to establish a sub-center in the district. However, she stressed that addressing violence against women and girls requires public intervention to reduce discrimination within society effectively.
The keynote address was delivered by W Nginyeih Konyak, Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women. She highlighted that during the 16 days of activism, various events aimed to address issues of discrimination and violence against women and girls. She noted that gender-based violence is a daily occurrence, often within families. She further emphasized that Human Rights Day—adopted in 1948—champions equal rights for all, regardless of gender, and called for collective action to eliminate gender inequality. She encouraged women to speak out and assert their rights within society.
Meanwhile, in Longleng, under the aegis of District Administration, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) & Sakhi-One stop centre in convergence with Phomla Hoichem, the Apex women body of Phom conducted several activities in view of 16 days of activism against Gender Based violence on the theme “Toward Beijing+30: Unite to end Violence against Women and Girls”.
The activities included Launching of International day for elimination of violence against women cum consultative meeting with all the major functionaries under social welfare department, social media & poster campaign, and advocacy campaign at Sadar, Namsang & Tamlu Block.
The week-long campaign culmination program at Lempong Traffic Point was followed by a walkathon with an aim to raise awareness to the mass general public and to unite in Solidarity against gender –based Violence.
In his speech, Additional SP Longleng, Hiatwa Iralu called upon all the stakeholders to actively address all forms of violence against women. He also urged the department for any assistance if need be, and briefly discussed the rights, laws and consequences for the offender and culprits.
The Women Secretary, PBCA, Anghbenla Phom spoke on the issues and problems faced by women in public and workplaces and siad “women are not safe even in their own home”. She therefore called upon all the stakeholders and right thinkers to raise their voice and fight for such violence against women and girl child. She added, “Women are not to be considered as a burden rather the strength and backbone of the society”.
Former ENWO President, A Shamthai also encouraged the gathering to work together, support, unite and to foster the rights of women and to be an agent of change in the society. In her introductory note, Case Worker OSC, Longleng, Shandimoinyei spoke on the significance and the value of Human Rights Day.