Gender campaign begins with inauguration of resource centre

Dimapur, Nov. 26 (EMN): Marking the nationwide campaign against gender-based violence and discrimination, a Gender Resource Centre (GRC) was inaugurated at the office of Japfüphi Women Livelihoods and Cooperative Society (JWLCS) under Jakhama Rural Development block on November 25.

The inauguration of Gender Resource Centre was organised by Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) with the participation of various stakeholder departments and organisations along with the community institution (federation) leaders and unit representatives. An update from NSRLM informed that the campaign would culminate on December 23 by focusing on addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.

Speaking at the function as guest speaker, Bendanglila, joint secretary of Rural Development, stated that every woman has faced some form of gender based discrimination and violence in their lives akin to a global pandemic as it happens across the world. She pointed out that women are still silent and would rather suffer than speak out for fear of stigma and other socially negative reactions despite such physical and psychological injustice being meted out to them.

Stressing on the importance of acknowledging gender issues, she stated that awareness should begin in the family and added that as mothers and sisters, all must propagate the importance of gender sensitivity in the household itself.

Pointing out an important focus of Vision 2030, which aims at achieving gender equality, she stated that the Gender Resource Centre is a step towards achieving the goal. She further expressed hope that the centre would be a hub for awareness creation, teaching women about schemes available and address issues through support of stakeholders.

Delivering the keynote address, Imtimenla, joint secretary and mission director of NSRLM, mentioned that in states where the GRC has been set up has helped countless women. She added that the centre is a safe space for aggrieved women who wish to speak up against discrimination and violence and seek support from the right agencies.

Giving a brief outline of the GRC, Khriezovonuo Lhoungu, state programme manager of NSRLM, informed that the community should own and manage the centre. She, therefore, urged the women SHG federation to take ownership and run the centre well and also urged the stakeholders to render continued support.

She informed that GRC would eventually be set up in other blocks.

In a short speech, reigning Miss Kohima 2022, Diezenuo Chuzho, called upon the women to be a voice for the voiceless. While admitting prevalence of discrimination in the society, she urged the people need to be more vocal to enable the plight of such victims heard.

Officials of Women Helpline 181 Nagaland, Vekhwusalu Dawhuo and Lanuienla Imchen, spoke on women helpline schemes for women; legal entitlements and introduction to sexual harassment of women at workplace. The officials mentioned that they have received many calls pertaining to different kinds of crimes against women and have network with other departments and agencies to help the victims. They have further assured support to the centre in time of need for redressal of the aggrieved victims.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Kenivole Richa, NSRLM programme manager, while the Bible reading and prayer was led by Sonei, executive council member of JWLCS.

All the participants were administered the gender pledge.

It informed that GRC in 13 states across the country including Nagaland was inaugurated by Giriraj Singh, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, government of India, in an event held in New Delhi followed with the launch of gender campaign.