The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) organized a one-day legal awareness program at Tseminyu on 28th October 2021 in collaboration with the Rengma Mothers’ Association, Tseminyu and supported by the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Chairperson NSCW, Khrienuo Tachü presented the keynote address introducing the NSCW which was constituted through the Nagaland Women Commission Act, 2006 to uplift and safeguard the girl child and to empower and protect the interests of women in Nagaland. Encapsulating the objective of the NSCW, the Chairperson remarked that the Commission is committed to empowering Naga women via an inclusive growth by fostering complementary and positive involvement of all stakeholders in the Naga society. She emphasized on the importance of education in order to move forward as individuals and as a society. The Chairperson highlighted the importance of educating the girl child to create a fair and just society. She encouraged both women and men to take responsibility and work together to create an equal and better future for their children. Tachü specifically addressed the issues and problems of gender inequality and women rights at the grassroots; she said that concrete results can be achieved by building bridges and mutual dialogue between men and women, despite the challenges posed by customs and traditions. The Chairperson said that the existing realities of Naga society needs to be given a serious consideration so as to tactfully address the grassroots’ problems, as antagonizing any interested party or aggravating war of words and conflicting interests between stakeholders has never made headway in the Naga society. Khrienuo said that unless Naga women and men learn to work together and create space for one another, women empowerment and gender equality will never be realized.
Centre Administrator OSC Kohima, Toli K Assumi spoke on the topic "Gender Based Violence &Services of Sakhi- One Stop Centre (OSC)" and described the various forms of gender-based violence: physical and verbal abuse, sexual harrassment, economic, psychological and emotional violence. On the OSC, Toli gave a brief introduction on the legal, medical, police services, counseling, etc., available especially for aggrieved women who experience any form of violence. Awareness was also created on the emergency helpline 181: a toll-free Women Helpline number.
Sr. Specialist, District Hospital, Wokha, Dr. Asünü Thong spoke on "Health Education'' emphasizing on social responsibility regarding the Covid-19 vaccine and the importance of breastfeeding. She briefed on various diseases like tuberculosis, HIV AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, etc., and highlighted on medical aids provided by the government, eg. Ayushman Bharat (health insurance scheme). Dr. Thong also encouraged people to create awareness, seek professional help and avoid self- medication. She stated that most diseases are attributed to one's lifestyle, so they must take care of their physical, mental, social and spiritual health.
Xavior Kent, Advocate Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, took the session on "Legal Literacy ". He shared about the Fundamental Rights entitled to every citizen and stressed upon the legal rights of women such as the right to equal pay for equal work, right against workplace harassment and domestic violence, right to get free legal aid, etc. He also highlighted the Right to Education; and the objectives of the District Legal Service Authority (Kohima) to provide equal justice and free legal aid.
The program was chaired by Chongliu, Member NSCW; concluding remarks made by Secretary NSCW & Joint Secretary Social Welfare, Bodeno S Colo and vote of thanks was offered by President, Rengma Mothers’ Association, Tseminyu, Sojule Tep.
The NSCW team also paid a visit to the Community Health Centre, Tseminyu Town, where they made a brief inspection of the Centre and interacted with the doctors & nurses and expressed gratitude for their dedicated services.
(DIPR)
