Dimapur, September 2: Violence against women has been reported on the rise in Nagaland despite considered as one of the safest places for women in India, while ironically most cases went unreported due to fear, social stigma and ignorance – one not being aware of any laws or provisions that protect women from such situation.
This was disclosed by the manager of Women Helpline 181, Lanuienla Imchen, at an awareness programme on Women Helpline 181 and Sakhi-One Stop Centre at Model Christian College Auditorium on August 31.
The universalisation of Women Helpline Scheme (181) and the Sakhi-One Stop Centre, both of which were launched by the State Governor, PB Acharya, on June 24, 2016, have been conducting awareness activities in various platforms since their commencement. The State Resource Centre for Women is the nodal agency for implementing the said schemes in the State. Jamkhanmoi, Dean of Academics, Model Christian College, delivered the keynote address.
Renthunglo Kikon, Call Responder of Women Helpline 181, made a power point presentation on the working mechanism of the 181 Women Helpline, while the students participated in a role-play, portraying a case on Domestic Violence where a live-call was made to the 181 WHL.
Chothal Phesa-o, Senior Call Responder of Women Helpline 181, thanked the College authority and the students for giving the 181 WHL the platform to conduct the awareness programme.
It may be mentioned that the Women Helpline (181) is providing 24 hour emergency response to all women affected by violence both in public and private sphere through referral (linking with appropriate authority such as police, One Stop Centre (OSC), or hospital) and information about women related government schemes and programmes across the country through a single uniform number, 181.
The Sakhi-OSC was established in Dimapur in the premises of the District Hospital. The Sakhi-OSC has been providing integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence.
