The Kohima District Administration, in collaboration with SANKALP–District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) and the Social Welfare Department, observed the International Day of the Girl Child at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Kohima, with a call to end child marriage, strengthen child protection and invest in girls’ education and rights.

Observed on  the global theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” the programme sought to amplify girls’ voices, promote their empowerment and address the discrimination and human rights challenges they continue to face.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Level Committee (DLC) for Mission Shakti, Kohima, B Henok Buchem, invoked the proverb, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” underscoring that educating a girl empowers not only the individual but also generations to come.

Sharing a personal tribute to his late mother, Buchem recalled how she pursued her studies to become a nurse and serve the community, leaving behind a legacy of humility, service and sacrifice. He also recounted encounters with vulnerable families during his administrative work, including a child who lost both parents during the pandemic and a struggling single-parent household.

Urging participants to extend support to such families, he called for individual initiatives as well as greater awareness and use of available government welfare schemes.

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According to a DIPR update, Buchem also highlighted the ongoing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive to prevent cervical cancer, expressing concern over low public awareness and calling for widespread sensitisation. He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to eliminating child marriage and building a safer and more equitable society.

During the technical sessions, Child Welfare Committee member Wapanginla Kichu outlined the fundamental rights of children, including the rights to education, protection, equality, expression, healthcare and development. She also highlighted legal safeguards against child labour, sexual harassment and child marriage.

Vimenu Richa, Centre Administrator of OSC Kohima and Master Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, spoke on the legal framework for preventing child marriage, stressing the need for strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Referring to the continuing challenges of child marriage and child labour in India, she urged stakeholders to look beyond officially reported cases to understand the full extent of the problems.

Advocate and Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) panel lawyer Sunjib Rana spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He highlighted that perpetrators in many cases are known to the victims, including family members, neighbours, relatives, friends and acquaintances, rather than strangers.

Rana called on educational institutions to strengthen early identification and encourage open dialogue on child safety. He stressed the need to sensitise boys and girls, along with parents, on child protection and sexual abuse. He also urged NGOs and community organisations not to obstruct legal procedures in such cases and reminded the media of its legal obligation to protect the identities of victims.

The programme was chaired by EAC Kohima Ane Khieya and began with a welcome address by Anyile Khamo, District Programme Officer and District Nodal Officer for Mission Shakti.

A special song was presented by Medopheno, a Class 11 student of Government Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma. Akhonuo Pfusenuo, a recipient of the “Educate Her, Empower Her” scholarship under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, delivered a speech titled “End Child Marriage: Let Girls Dream, Learn and Lead.”

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kesoneinuo, Gender Specialist at DHEW Kohima.