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Dimapur, Nov. 25 (EMN): Commemorating the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women,’ the department of Social Welfare organised a special programme on November 25 in the conference hall of its directorate on the theme “Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls.”
In her opening remarks, Juliana Medom, supervisor of Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), highlighted the significance of the day by stating that in the year 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the day to observe ‘International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.” She added that also marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, culminating on Human Rights Day which falls on December 10.
She pointed out that health, nutrition, education and economic development of a country cannot progress without addressing women empowerment, and women empowerment cannot happen without addressing gender-based violence, and that elimination of violence against women will not happen overnight nor after the 16 days of activism but through awareness that could amplify the voices of women affected by violence.
She called upon everyone to be part of the solution and not the problem.
In his keynote address, the joint secretary of Social Welfare, K Mhathung Tsanglao, has attributed the rising number of crimes against women to the type of violence deeply rooted in the social, cultural, and structural norms and values in the society that are often perpetuated by the culture of denial and silence.
Apart from gender normative behaviours that lead to crime against women, Tsanglao stated that low socio-economic status, poverty and unemployment have also been identified as causes of hate crime against women and girls. He also mentioned alcohol, substance abuse and personality traits as contributing factors.
Tsanglao pointed out that violence against women constituted a large share of human rights violations and is perpetuated by the power imbalances between men and women and that it affects women’s health and stops them from effectively executing the social roles, which in turn results in loss of opportunities. He said that violence against women is prevalent among all socio economic structures of society and highlighted the importance of the fundamental rights and duties, directive principles of state policy that seek to secure equality for men and women and the right to adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work, equal justice and free legal aid.
He urged the participants to be sensitised with the laws, schemes and programmes on women provided by the government to protect and empower women. Tsanglao further stated that the idea to promote the elimination of violence against women is to give a more dignified meaning of life to women; that it is to promote gender equality, which is not only a fundamental right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world, and that it is a part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that is to be achieved by 2030.
He also stressed on balanced approach so that the empowerment of women should also not lead to a deviation of men from the society but work together in harmonious. He concluded by encouraging the participants to let their children be aware that violence towards women is never okay and that they should teach their children about gender equality and positive attitudes toward women and girls and become role models for their children.
Zakato Chishi, legal consultant of 181 Women Helpline Nagaland, sensitised the participants on the “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.”
A video was screened on various schemes, programmes and services that are available under the department of Social Welfare.
Participants included various stakeholders under the Social Welfare department including the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, State Hub for Empowerment of Women, the 181-Women Helpline, Sakhi-One Stop Centre, Child Care Institutes, Juvenile Justice Board, Swadhar Greh, State Child Protection Society, Mission Vatsalya and various NGOs.