Along with the rest of the country, Kohima observed National Girl Child Day at Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home (KODH) today.

Social Welfare Commissioner and Secretary and Administrator NSSWB Martha R Ritse, IAS, spoke on the POCSO Act 2012.

She stated that this Act protects children from offenses of sexual assault and harassment and offenders would suffer serious punishment.

Commissioner and Secretary Martha R Ritse. (Credit: IA Jakhama)

Ritse also informed the children present at the programme that if they find themselves in such cases, they should call the government provided child helpline number 1098/181.

On the occasion, Director Tosheli Zhimomi shared the importance of National Girl Child Day, stating that it means a significant step towards girls seeking to address gender imbalance and discrimination against the girl child.

Earlier, R Juliana Medom, Supervisor NSSWB, chaired the programme. The children of KODH presented a special number titled ‘A million Dreams’ and a skit.

Additional Director Nokcharenla delivered the vote of thanks.

Every year, the National Girl Child Day is observed on 24 January across India. Initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008, the day is observe to raise awareness on the inequalities faced by girls and also to increase awareness on the importance of education, rights and health for girl children.