Awareness session on women-centric legislations held in Kohima

DIMAPUR — As part of the 100-day special awareness campaign under SANKALP- HEW, the Kohima district administration in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), held an awareness session on ‘Women-centric legislations’ with Ferrando Domestic Worker’s Organisation at D’Block, Kohima on Tuesday.

In her speech, Thejasenuo Vitsu, advocate at TA Law Chambers, said that there are many articles in the Indian Constitution that deal with the protection and promotion of women, an update stated.

Citing the importance of safety and security of women within the home, she gave a brief explanation of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and the different reliefs and punishments under the Act.

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Highlighting that domestic violence includes physical and mental abuse, she went on to state that the lack of financial independence often make women vulnerable victims.

In regard to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, Vitsu said that the act was implemented to prevent and protect women from sexual harassment at the workplace, thereby ensuring a safe working environment for women.

She also explained at length the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and how this law prohibits prostitution and trafficking of women and girls.

In addition to these Acts, the resource person also gave a brief introduction of some other acts which promote the rights of women and children like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

Further, she cited various help lines and schemes which women can avail like One Stop Centre, Women Helpline 181, Swadhar Greh, Ujjwala and Pradhan Mantri Matri Vandana Yojana.

The programme was chaired by Kesoneinuo, gender specialist, DHEW, and Sr. Rincy Kamei, in charge of Ferrando Domestic Worker’s Office, Kohima, proposed vote of thanks.