Zunheboto District Administration and the District Hub for the Empowerment of Women organised a weeklong campaign to empower and support women and girls under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (Mission Shakti) initiative. DIPR informed that the campaign was initiated under the guidance of Viketoulie Metha, NCS, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Headquarters Nodal Officer DHEW-BBBP (Mission Shakti), and Ikali Wokhami, District Mission Coordinator DHEW-BBBP Zunheboto.
According to DIPR, a series of activities and awareness programs designed to benefit women and girls, including those with disabilities, socially and economically marginalized individuals, and other vulnerable groups in need of care and protection, were organized in various villages within the Zunheboto District.
The campaign commenced with an Under-18 Badminton Tournament for Girls held at the Badminton Stadium in Zunheboto town on 23rd-24th October. The opening ceremony featured Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, who emphasized the importance of women’s participation in sports and encouraged the participants and women of the District.
On 25th October, a sensitization program on themes related to women was conducted in nine villages in Akuluto Block within VK Headquarters Circle. The villages included Ajiqa, Izheto, Litta Old, Litta New, Maromi, Mukhami, Phushumi, Sastami, and VK Ha.
An important highlight of the campaign was the “Special Women Gram Sabha” held in collaboration with Panchayati Raj at Ajiqa Village Council Hall. During this gathering, a “Women Grievance Cell” was established to record and support women in distress and those facing women-related issues.
The campaign also included an awareness program on village health, sanitation, and nutrition, observed at Health and Wellness Centers in Litta Old and Litta New villages. Additionally, intensive training programs were conducted for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers from the 9 villages at VK Community Hall. The training covered topics related to health and hygiene, monitoring women’s access to benefits such as PMMVY, JSY, SSA, and the implementation of MCPC to promote birth registration through counseling.
Furthermore, programs addressing “Women’s Safety and Security,” “Child Rights,” and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) were facilitated by Viketoulie Metha, EAC, and Kiyepu Yeptho, Gender Specialist DHEW-BBBP.
The weeklong campaign concluded with a free medical camp held in VK Town under the theme “Whole Health: Prevention, Care, and Wellbeing.” Dr Mughaka Sumi, Medical Officer (VK PHC), and his dedicated staff supervised the camp, offering a range of free medical services, including NCD screening, provision of medicines, care for arthritis, acute peptic diseases, family planning (IUCD), immunization support, infant care, counseling, and medical procedures.
