NSRLM holds consultative meeting on gender campaign

DIMAPUR — Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, held a consultative meeting of stakeholders on gender campaign at the Secretariat conference hall in Kohima on Thursday.

During the meeting, the commissioner and Secretary, Kevisa Kense, delivered the keynote address and followed with a presentation on gender campaign and partnership by state programme manager of SISD, NSRLM, Khriezovonu Lhoungu.

The aim of the national campaign against gender-based violence in India was to address and combat the pervasive issue of violence against women in the country, stated a DIPR report. It added that the campaign seeks to create awareness and mobilise public opinion to bring about a change in societal attitudes towards gender-based violence.

It stated that the government at both the central and state levels has a significant role in formulating and implementing policies and programmes related to gender equality and combating gender-based violence.

It informed that state departments such as the Social Welfare, Justice and Law, Health and Family Welfare, Home, Planning and Coordination, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and Tribal Affairs were provided with roles for enacting and enforcing laws, allocating resources and provide essential services such as helplines, shelters, and counseling centres for survivors.

It added that civil society organisations such as Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and Eastern Naga Women’s Association (ENWA) have contributed significantly to the gender campaign in India. They were required to mobilise public opinion, conduct research and documentation and engage in advocacy and policy dialogues to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality in their respective blocks and villages.

It further stated that the School Education department as one of the stakeholders has been directed to conduct workshops with focus on girl child and SMC for girl child related issues such as admission drives for drop-outs, create awareness drive on POCSO etc.

The main objectives of the campaign included raising awareness, support and assist survivors, influence policy and legal reforms and promote gender equality.