NSCW holds awareness on functioning of legal aid cell

DIMAPUR — With an aim to equip the stakeholders with the necessary knowledge to support women’s rights and child protection in the community, the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) on Thursday organised an awareness programme on the functioning of legal aid cell at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur.

The event focused on legal provisions and protection mechanisms available for women and children’s safety, security and justice, stated an update from the commission.

Delivering the keynote address, NSCW chairperson, W Nginyeih Konyak, informed that the commission is devoted towards women empowerment. She stated the commission has been organising debates and discourses on gender-related issues since its inception.

Konyak state that NSCW envisioned Naga women to be in a safe environment, knowledgeable about their rights and entitlements and pursue their chosen occupation in life with great freedom.

She informed that the commission has decided to organise a state-wide awareness programme on women rights to enable them access legal protection and redressal in situations where their rights are being violated and to reach Naga women from all backgrounds, rural or urban with information about the assistance and guidance available at NSCW.

She also mentioned that it aims to enlighten Naga women on equal opportunities in all areas of life and provide help to women victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, human trafficking, prostitution, blackmail, cyber-crimes and domestic violence.

The chairperson informed that the commission has conducted various study and research among which are to codify the customary laws relating to Naga women, family institutions, social security for women and children as well as to protect children particularly girl children from being rendered orphans.

She has thanked all the men representatives from different tribal hohos, councils and NGOs for attending the progranne and mentioned that both men and women have equal responsibility in the tackling crimes against women and child.

She further called upon both men and women to work together for reformation and changes in the society to create crimes and violence-free society.

Apila Sangtam, legal consultant, highlighted the functioning of the legal aid cell of NSCW and delivered an insightful talk on various legal provisions aimed at safeguarding women and children.

Dr. Tiamenla Phom, additional deputy commissioner of police (women and juvenile), presented a detailed case study and elaborated on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, providing crucial insights into its implementation and relevance.