In a historic and pioneering move Tseminyu District has declared Kithagha Village, Tseminyu Village and Khenyu Village as the first Child Marriage Free Villages in Nagaland marking a major milestone in the protection of Children rights and welfare. This initiative makes Tseminyu as the first district in the State to formally adopt a community based declaration against child marriages during the culmination program of the 16th Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence and observance of Human rights Day held at DC conference hall, Tseminyu on 10th December 2025.
The declaration was made under the 100 Days Campaign of "Child Marriage Free India "of the Department of Women and Child Development , focusing on community ownership in ending child marriage. Ahead of the declaration villages were sensitised by Child Marriage Prohibition Office, Tseminyu, Kenyuhyule Thong on the roles and responsibilities of village Panchayats and Community leaders and on the legal provisions of the prohibition of child marriages Act 2006.
The initiative was taken under the leadership and supervision of Japheth Woch (NCS) DC Tseminyu and Chairperson DLC, Mission Shakti, with the objective of achieving a child marriage free District. In his keynote address, the DC emphasized the significance of Human Rights Day, and highlighted that freedom from child marriage is a fundamental human right and reiterated the role of community in protecting children dignity, safety and future. He emphasizes that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility and called upon communities to remain vigilant in protecting the future of every child.
The program was chaired by District Mission Coordinator (DHEW) Tseminyu, Victoria Kent. The event featured an invocation by Bhatile Semy, Gender Specialist DHEW Tseminyu, Experience sharing by Jetilo Apon, Chairman Child Welfare Committee and Neivotuonu Rutsa, Legal cum Prohibition Officer ( LCPU),DCPU Tseminyu and a video presentation by Sakhi -One Stop Centre Tseminyu.
The participants included representatives from different civil society organisations and stakeholders from various Government departments along with village leaders, Women and Youth groups. The District Administration expressed hope that this initiative would inspire other Districts in Nagaland to replicate the model and work towards elimination child marriage.
(Maghasha Tep, Asst. Director)
