International day for the elimination of violence against women and launching the ‘16 days of activism against gender-based violence’ under the theme ‘Towards Biejing +30: unite to end violence against women and girls’ was celebrated at SIRD auditorium, Kohima on 25th November 2024 with Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha as the special guest.
The 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness, challenging harmful social norms and promoting actions to end violence against women and girls. It is observed annually from 25th November, which is International Day for the Elimination Of Violence Against Women and culminates on 10th December which is also the Human Rights Day. The campaign seeks to mobilize government organizations and individuals worldwide to speak out against violence for stronger laws and policies. The observance highlights the importance of collective action and accountability to create safer and more equitable societies for all.
Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha stressed on the challenges of evils happening in our state and across the country, he said that the only solution is to come together and advocate fighting the challenges and address social evils. He highlighted that Nagaland is seen as one of the safest state in the country, but those statistics seems to be false since there are many unseen violence to women at home and at the neighbourhood, which are not reported due to the stigma of our society. He said that we speak of our rich culture and heritage and often refer that the backbone of Naga society are women but the hard truth is that every day women gets abused. He also said that if Naga society is to progress, we have to address the challenges of the women and girls, we have to sensitize the traditional intuitions, boost and motivate and ensure that women are independent. Naga society should collectively work for the dignity and respect the women to advance in all sphere of life.
ADC Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori highlighting on the report of Kohima mentioned that 10 cases was reported last year and 12 cases were reported this year. He also stressed that every stakeholder in Nagaland has been making all efforts to stop and eliminate violence and crimes against women through various programs and initiatives such as enhanced level of awareness, increased sensitization, promoting advocacy, educating women and empowering them with the knowledge on their constitutional & legal rights, provisions & safeguards. In order to ensure elimination of violence & crimes against women, every one of us need to do our bit, we need to play our roles – at home, in the neighbourhood, at schools, in the church, in the community, anywhere and in every possible way, he added.
He also called on every stakeholder to not give up on the fight and may be required to fight several battles in the quest for liberation of women and girls from all forms of violence but let us all take on the challenges earnestly and not give up, he added.
(Siizo Kikhi IA)
