16-day activism against gender-based violence launched

“Well-being and dignity of women is an indicator of any healthy and progressive society”

  [caption id="attachment_284505" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Rouvi K Toy launches the 16 days activism against gender-based violence at SAPO Hall Jakhama on Monday. EM Images[/caption] Our Correspondent  Kohima, Nov. 25 (EMN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSWC) in collaboration with Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) launched a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence at SAPO Hall, Jakhama on November 25. The 16-day activism against gender-based violence campaign, which will culminate on December 10, was launched commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and launched by Ruovi K Toy, wife of Chief Secretary Temjen Toy. At the launching programme, Toy appreciated the initiative of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSWC) and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO). She also asserted the need for a collective effort from all sections of the society to eliminate violence against women for the betterment of society. The chairperson of NSCW, Khrienuo Tachii, in her keynote address said, “The right to life, freedom from fear and intimidation, and guaranteeing the dignity of every woman is at the very heart of the principle of human rights. These virtues, which are indispensable for human dignity and well-being, cannot be attained unless the scourge of violence against women is eliminated in every society.” She lamented that even in the 21st century, women in many societies around the world are still plagued by violence and indignity of various kinds and added, “There are social structures, traditional beliefs, and institutional practices that have kept women in a position of subservience and even considered a threat because of their gender.” Tachii maintained that besides domestic violence in their own homes, women around the world also have had to face violence, threat and intimidation from the state, religious establishments, political system, caste system, ethnic conflicts, and even from close family members. She stated that United Nations General Assembly had designated November 25 as the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’. Speaking about the significance of the day, Tachii said, “The recognition of this day as a world-wide campaign to sensitise and inform people and combat violence against women has important roots in political violence against women when they demand dignity, justice and fairness in a modern state.” “Violence towards women in various forms is found in all societies and is sadly found to be culture-specific and is significantly shaped by socio-economic conditions, power structures and political systems,” she said. She said that given the prevalence of violence towards women world-wide and the cross-cultural differences, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed as 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. She highlighted the theme for the year 2019, 'Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape'. The chairperson asserted that the campaign will endeavour to inform and sensitise citizens on the issue of violence against women grappling the society at the grassroots — in their own homes and communities. “Just as good roads, infrastructures and health facilities are indicators of economic prosperity for a state like Nagaland, the well-being and dignity of women is an indicator of any healthy and progressive society,” Tachii said. Legal advisor of Southern Angami Youth Organisation Zasitsolie Rio gave a response to the address of the Chairperson on behalf of the SAYO and urged the Naga people to eliminate gender-based violence in its entirety.