On Human Rights Day, which falls on 10 December, the District Administration and Sakhi One Stop Women Centre of Mokokchung held a panel discussion on the topic ‘Violence against Women – A violation against Human Rights’ at Jongshinokdang Hall, Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung.
The day also marks the end of the annual international campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which is observed from 25 November to 10 December every year.
Sentilong Ozukum, SDO (Civil) Mokokchung and Nodal Officer of Sakhi One Stop Centre, briefly highlighted the functions and programmes of Sakhi One Stop Centre, Mokokchung. He said the centre was established in 2019 and is located near Dr Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, School of Nursing, opposite Nurses Hostel, Majakong Ward.
Sakhi One Stop Centre is an initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. In the district the centre is managed by the District Administration. It is a one stop centre or solution for addressing violence faced by women in the district. The services are provided by well-trained staff. Basic needs and integrated assistance including medical, legal and psychological counselling to women affected by violence in private and public spaces are provided. The OSC also facilitate access to services for Emergency Response and Rescue Services, medical assistance, assistance to women in lodging FIR/NCR/DIR, Psycho-social support/counselling, legal aid, counselling and shelter.
Sentilong Ozukum, SDO (Civil) Mokokchung and Nodal Officer of Sakhi One Stop Centre, Mokokchung.
Ozukum further said very few cases have been reported in the district after the establishment of the centre but he was of the view that domestic violence and other kinds of violence are highly prevalent. He said he believes that violence continues to take its formation because of the silence of people. He urged the gathering to take responsibility in addressing the issues and to be an agent of change.
Four panellists took part in the panel discussion which was attended by students of CTC. Bendangrenla S Longkumer, assistant professor of FAC, Mokokchung, was the moderator.
She shared some statistics on violence against women and girls. She said according to the United Nation, 1 in 3 women globally experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner.
Longkumer also pointed out to findings from recent research conducted by the Theological Research and Communication Institute, Delhi on violence against women in Indian Christian families. The research found that domestic violence among Christian families in India stands at 33.1 % while the population stands at 33.3% which clearly indicates that the issue of domestic violence has dwelled considerably, she stated.
Longkumer said churches play an important role in society in shaping personal relationships and tackling the issues within society.
Dr Akala Imchen, associate professor of CTC, Aolijen presented on the topic of the discussion with special reference to violence against women in Naga society.
Limasenla Jamir, assistant professor of FAC, Mokokchung, spoke on the causes and forms of violence against women in Nagaland.
T Ngipchem Konyak, doctoral scholar, CTC, Aolijen, and Pelesevi Mor, MTh II, CTC, Aolijen gave a presentation on violence against women with special reference to the Konyak Nagas and Angami Nagas respectively.
Organisers and attendees of the panel discussion.
The discussions were made with several questions from the audience where the issue of inheritance of property, psychological and mental abuse and participation of women in politics were deliberated.
At the end, Longkumer, the moderator, concluded the discussion by stressing that one cannot stay in denial of these sensitive issues happening all around. She urged the gathering to move forward by enabling and creating a society for everyone’s existence. “You and I could bring the reformation,” she said.
Earlier in the programme, Rev Prof Dr A Temjen Jamir, principal of CTC in his welcome address and introduction, remarked: “Our God has created all human beings uniquely with dignity and rights to enjoy as human person, but when we look into the prevalent scenario, the weaker section of the society specially the women, children, poor people are being victimized, marginalized and violated.” He gave a brief introduction of the programme and encouraged the gathering to educate oneself to live in harmony together.
Rev Jamir further urged the gathering to continue to motivate each other and to be conscientious.
During the programme, a special number was presented by Jentiyanger Longkumer & Friends, CTC, Aolijen.
Special number by Jentiyanger Longkumer & Friends.
The programme was chaired by Vitolu, the EAC of Mokokchung, who also delivered the vote of thanks. The benediction was pronounced by Rev Dr A Tali Ao, Associate Professor & Dean, CTC, Aolijen.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is observed by various institutions, civil society organisations and the United Nations for raising awareness on the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.
The annual campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs till 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Begun in 1991 by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, the campaign continues to be managed every year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership.
In 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General, in support of the 16 Days of Activism, launched the campaign UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women. Both campaigns run parallel to each other.
The theme for this year’s UNiTE Campaign is ‘UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls’.
