Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, Mission Shakti Nagaland and Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission ( NSRLM) collaboratively observed International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 at Capital Convention Centre , Kohima .
In his address, Advisor, Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak, who was the Chief Ambassador & Special Guest “HeForShe Campaign” against Gender-Based Violence, formally launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Nagaland and also inaugurated the first Gender Resource Centre in Nagaland.
This event, Konyak said, should be the start of a journey everyone makes together, where no woman or girl in Nagaland would live in fear simply because of her gender. Konyak highlighted that globally almost one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her life and violence against women and girls remain one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world.
Referring to Nagaland, Konyak mentioned that in recent months in Kohima, there has been an alarming rise in crimes against women. He said that the Mission Shakti One Stop Centres and Women Helpline-181 are receiving certain/multiple cases, often from women who wish to remain anonymous because of the stigma attached. The recent incidents in Kohima, he said, are a wake-up call.
“It is important for everyone to understand that violence against women is not just a ‘women’s issue’ — it is a human issue,” Konyak noted .
Konyak maintained that HeForShe Campaign it changes the traditional narrative by making gender equality a benefit to all. He also reaffirmed everyone to become ambassadors of women safety in all walks of life.
As the Chief Ambassador of the HeForShe Campaign in Nagaland, Konyak announced that he declared clearly: “Real men do not raise their hands against women. Real men raise their voices with women. Real men teach their sons respect and show by example that true strength lies in protecting our women.”
Konyak also applauded the Mission Shakti functionaries for their dedicated service, and encouraged them to continue providing their support to women in distress.
Konyak also congratulated the NSRLM under Rural Development for expanding Gender Resource Centres to seven new RD blocks – Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Changtongya, Pfutsero, Wokha, and Satakha. He said that taking empowerment to the block and village level through Self-Help Groups is creating visible, Positive change at the grassroots.
Konyak said, “The Gender Resource Centre we inaugurate today will be a safe space for survivors, a learning hub for families, and a training centre for police, village councils, churches, and student bodies to respond with compassion and speed.”
In conclusion, Konyak also urged every man across Nagaland to join the HeForShe pledge.
“Stand up when you they wrong. Speak out when jokes turn cruel. Intervene when a sister, wife, or daughter is in danger.Change begins with us and within us.”
“To every woman in Nagaland: you are not alone. The Government of Nagaland, Mission Shakti, the Department of Social Welfare, and thousands of men like me are walking beside you. Your pain is our pain. Your courage is our inspiration,” he added.
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In his keynote address, Limawabang Jamir, IAS, Secretary & AHOD of the Social Welfare Department, expressed appreciation for the remarkable participation of men during the state-level observation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Speaking at the program, Jamir noted that the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an annual event observed all over the world.
He mentioned that it marks the launching of Unite campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—which culminates on International Human Rights Day on December 10.
As envisioned by the Ministry of Women and child development GoI, Jamir highlighted that the Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with NSRLM under the Department of Rural Development, has been observing this day. The aim, he said, is to strengthen the social and economic empowerment of women—critical steps toward achieving gender equality in Nagaland.
Jamir highlighted that the Department of Social Welfare under Mission Shakti, a dedicated initiative for the safety, security, and empowerment of women. He added that one key scheme under this mission is One Stop Centres (OSCs) which have been established in all 17 districts of the state as of October 2025.
These centres provide integrated emergency and non-emergency support for women facing violence, including , Immediate response and rescue, Temporary shelter, Police assistance, Medical aid, Legal counselling and Psychosocial support
Since their inception until October 2025, Jamir said that OSCs have catered to 1,703 cases of gender-based violence across Nagaland.
Jamir shared that the Women Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098 together form the Women and Child Development Control Room. He further emphasised that the 181 Women Helpline has responded to 3,396 calls since 2016, ranging from distress calls involving gender-based violence to requests for information about government schemes and services.
He noted that cases received over the years such as domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, and cybercrime show that most perpetrators are male, highlighting the urgent need to sensitize men and boys from a prevention standpoint.
Jamir also said that in alignment with the UN’s appeal, the HeForShe campaign was introduced to promote the involvement of men and boys as agents of change in ending violence against women.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to creating safe workplaces, Jamir informed attendees about the SHe-Box, a sexual harassment electronic complaint system that provides women with a single-window online platform to report workplace harassment. “Help is just a click away,” he emphasized.
Jamir thanked representatives from various departments for showing solidarity and urged everyone to ensure safety in their homes, workplaces, and online spaces. He encouraged the public to make full use of the support tools available and to spread awareness.
Jamir also informed that for any assistance, anyone can call the Women Helpline 181—available 24/7—or visit the nearest One Stop Centre.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Tosheli Zhimomi, Director of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland. The gathering began with a blessing offered by Bendang Walling, Pastor of KABA, followed by a special musical presentation by the Male Voice group of the Directorate of Social Welfare.
As part of the event, participants were briefed on Legal Provisions for Women and Children and the services under Mission Shakti, through both IEC and an informative video presentation. The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission also introduced the newly established Gender Resource Centre, aimed at strengthening gender-responsive interventions in the state.
A key highlight of the program was the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence along with the inauguration of the Gender Resource Centre, marking a significant step toward coordinated efforts in promoting gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights in Nagaland.
The program concluded with remarks from Yongchingkumla, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department.
