Dimapur, March 10 (EMN): Commemorating the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, Nagaland State Legal Services Authorities (NSLSA) undertook an awareness campaign on legal rights in all the districts.
As part of the celebration, Zunheboto DLSA, in collaboration with the district administration and Sakhi- One Stop Centre, observed the Women’s Day on March 8 at Lukikhe Shevishe village under Aghunato sub division.
A press release from NSLSA stated that Wokono Yhoshü, JMFC and ZDLSA secretary, delivered a keynote address by highlighting on the significance of the day. It stated that N Nyamoke Konyak, EAC Zunheboto, spoke on empowerment of women, while Alovini Yeptho, administrator of Sakhi-OSC, briefed on 10 legal rights of women and schemes for women.
Pamphlets were also distributed to more than 100 women who attended the programme.
Longleng DLSA, in collaboration with Phomla Hoichem, also observed the International Women’s Day on the theme ‘I am generation equality: realising women’s rights’ at GHSS auditorium with the participation of 140 persons.
PLV Chingyau chaired the programme, while B Ongthei Phom, vice president of Phomla Hoichem delivered the keynote address.
Panel lawyer P Monyei Phom had briefed on the significance of the day and further emphasised on 10 legal rights that every woman should know. Ajongba Inchen, CJM and LDLSA secretary, spoke on the topic “The village council act.’
Mokokchung DLSA observed the event at town hall, Mokokchung. The programme was organised in collaboration with Aoli Watsu Mungdang, Sakhi One-Stop Centre and Fazl Ali College.
Retainer lawyers I Imkong Jamir and Holika Sukhalu were the resource persons.
Peren DLSA, in collaboration with the district administration and Social Welfare department, observed the International Women’s Day at Government Higher Secondary School, Jalukie town, on March 8.
Panel lawyer Italang spoke on legal rights of women by emphasising on domestic violence act 2005 and maintenance under section 125 CRPC, while Heirei from MSK highlighted on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Pamphlets and leaflets in different dialects including Liangmai, Zeme and Kuki were distributed to 100 beneficiaries.
Dimapur also celebrated the International Women’s Day at Prodigals’ Home and Wondang-Ki Charitable Foundation on March 8. K Ela, director of Prodigals’ Home, delivered the welcome address.
In her keynote address, Somet C Chang, CJM and DLSA secretary, stated that women’s day questioned whether the society is giving its due recognition to the women. She rued that in Nagaland women do not have representation in the decision making body. She further sought men’s support in the fight for women’s rights.
Sentimenla, DDLSA panel lawyer, spoke on “Basic legal rights with special reference to women.”
About 100 people attended the programme.
Mon DLSA observed the International Women’s Day at Mon Village Baptist Church in which Seyielenuo Mezhü, CJM cum DLSA secretary Mon, spoke on the significance of the day. In her speech, she encouraged the women to support each other saying that the day is observed to celebrate achievement of women in every walk of life. She urged women folk to support each other to eliminate the patriarchal system which are especially practice in the Naga society and to bring gender equality in near future.
She further encouraged the participants to be more active in playing the role of a good women to create a peaceful and civilised society.
Panel lawyer Angun spoke on women’s rights and also shared on the “Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme 2012.”
To mark the celebration, Wokha DLSA para legal volunteers namely Chibeni Patton, Renbemo Kithan, Daisy Tungoe, Athungbeni Humtsoe, Khyodemo Ezung, Zujanbeni Ezung, Zadeno Humtsoe, Mhajamo Khuvung, Roland Yimchunger, and Meribemo Patton identified widows from Wokha. The para legal volunteers undertook door-to-door to sensitise on various schemes.
Tuensang DLSA also observed the International Women’s Day by organising a programme at the District Hospital, Tuensang. The programme was attended by doctors, and staff nurses.
International Women’s Day at Phek was organised in collaboration with the Chakhesang Mother’s Association (CMA) and district administration at badminton stadium, Phek town. The programme was attended by Neiba Kronu, minister of Planning and Co-Ordination, Revenue, and Parliamentary Affairs.
Speaking on the occasion, Kronu encouraged the women folks to shed their inferiority complex and to co-ordinate with men in socio-economic and political activities, policies for a just and equal society. He stressed on knowledge and skills of any profession for improving one’s economy and savings.
Also speaking on the occasion, guest of honour and MLA, Kuzholuzo Neinu, stressed on equal rights in order to empower women.
He encouraged the women to participate in every field be it social, economic and political spheres but not to misuse the power. He also urged the gathering to give attention to their children’s education and make it their priority.
Sano Vamuzo, former chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women, in her brief speech, congratulated CMA for organising the program for the first time by collaborating with the district administration and Phek DLSA. She exhorted the gathering to continue striving in knowing their rights so that they are not discriminated. She further urged the gathering to denounce crime against women. She also stressed on equality, justice, liberty and fraternity.
Also speaking on the occasion, Mikha Lomi, president of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), urged to promote gender equality. He further advised the women not lose sight of time management and keep the family together.
Bhavani Sri N, SDO(C) and BBBP nodal officer, informed that a free breast cancer screening would be conducted from March 14 to the 31th in all the sub-divisions.
In the second session, Mezivolu T Therieh, district and sessions judge and chairperson of Phek DLSA, spoke on the theme ‘Generation equality: Realising women’s rights for an equal future.
“If we are thinking of an equal future, we must realise our rights in the field of equal pay, wages, equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic works, end to sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, health care services, equal participation in political life and in decision making in all areas of life, Therieh stated. Stating that only with openness of mind one could develop maturity of mind, she called for a change of mindset to adapt to the present changing times. She further urged the women folks to know their identity and speak up when opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, the Kohima DLSA celebrated the International Women’s Day at AMK Building, Kohima, on March 9.
Constitutional privileges like equality before law for woman (Article 14), legal provisions, women’s right, marital rights, maintenance rights were discussed by the resource persons on the occasion.
Rights of senior citizens, maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens Act 2007 was shared by KDLSA panel lawyer Keduvi Zhotso. He shared about the punishments provided under the Acts. Topic on Domestic Violence and POCSO were shared by panel lawyer Vimeno.
She also elaborated on four abuses under the Domestic Violence Act including mental abuse, physical abuse, economical abuse and sexual abuse. She further mentioned about on five categories in which a child could be sexually abused.
