The Department of Social Welfare has announced that, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, it will observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November 2025 at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima at 11 A.M. The department has also requested all AHoDs and HoDs to depute five male officials or staff to attend the programme. The observance will also mark the launch of 16 days of Activism for ending Gender-based Violence, held from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December 2025, Human Rights Day. The department has encouraged all stakeholders to use this period to conduct awareness initiatives aimed at eliminating GBV.
It may be noted that, as per the United Nation’s appeal, HeForShe Campaign is being initiated as part of the observation. This global initiative aims to promote gender equality by involving men and boys as agents of change. The programme will also highlight government initiatives designed to combat GBV and increase awareness about the rights and entitlements of women and girls.
Activities planned during the observance include workshops and seminars to raise awareness on “The Domestic Violence Act 2005”, “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013”, “POCSO (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence) Act 2012”, “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023” and special rights available to women and girls under “Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023” with regard to victim compensation.
Stakeholders may also launch social media campaigns using hashtags and informative content to create awareness about women’s rights, laws, One Stop Centres, helpline numbers and Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Awareness will also be enhanced regarding the Sexual Harassment Electronic (SHe) Box portal, Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the BVMB portal. Information on the Emergency Response Support System Number 112, Women Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098 will be promoted. Activities will include efforts to improve accessibility to services under Mission Shakti programmes such as One Stop Centre, HUB for Empowerment of Women, Shakti Sadan and Sakhi Niwas, and strengthening linkages between the Gender Resource Center under the State Rural Livelihood Mission and One Stop Centres at district level.
Workshops may also be held for teachers and students focusing on gender equality, the importance of consent, good touch versus bad touch, healthy relationships and respect for the dignity of women and girls. Programmes will further encourage greater involvement of men and boys to promote positive masculinity and challenge harmful gender stereotypes. Sensitization of frontline workers in Anganwadi Centres, Child Care institutions, One Stop Centres, Shakti Sadan and Sakhi Niwas on gender-related concerns will also form part of the initiative.
