DIMAPUR — The Kohima district administration organised an orientation and sensitisation programme under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative on Wednesday at the village council hall, Jakhama.
It was held in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) Kohima, the village adoption committee, the 14th Southern Angami-I constituency, the Nagaland Resource Centre, and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
According to a press release, Nockpai Konyak, SDO (Civil), Jakhama, briefed the audience on why the BBBP scheme was implemented in India, citing the declining sex ratio and female foeticide as the primary reasons.
He called on society to do away with gender discrimination and to empower girls and women by making them aware of their rights and privileges. He also stated that equal public participation by both genders is required to fully empower women in society.
Juliana Medom, advisor, Nagaland Resource Centre (NRC), spoke on the occasion about adolescent well-being, stating that the adolescent period is an exciting yet stressful time when a child transitions into an adult, and she urged parents to provide them with a stable, safe, and loving environment at home.
She also provided a brief overview of the NRC’s work with adolescent boys and girls, stating that the NRC has been working closely with adolescents on issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, prostitution, trafficking, and cybercrime.
Dr. Vijoho, medical officer, Jakhama, provided an explanation on sexual, menstrual, and mental health, focusing on the physical and emotional development of adolescents. Vijoho highlighted that during this period, adolescents often face challenges such as dropping out of school and teenage pregnancies.
These issues, he said, can have serious consequences for the mother’s health and may increase the risk of contracting HIV and AIDS.
He also urged society to end the taboo surrounding menstruation and provide correct information surrounding topics such as proper menstrual hygiene. He also provided an overview of how to overcome mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Poji, deputy district manager (DDM), Kohima, NABARD, gave a brief overview of banking and insurance schemes, as well as programmes such as the ‘Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme’ that students can avail of to pursue higher education in technical and professional fields.
Students whose annual gross parental or family income is less than 4.5 lakh are eligible to apply for the scheme, he said, adding that people can also benefit from life insurance schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.
Vidilhounuo Solo, specialist in financial literacy, DHEW, Kohima, highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Scheme and explained in detail the objectives of the scheme, who can apply, what documents are required, and where to apply.
She also mentioned the one-stop centre (OSC) and the various services available to women and girls through it, such as lodging an FIR, legal assistance, medical care, counselling, and temporary shelter.
Also read: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao launched in Noklak
