A state-level program on Observation of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and launching of 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence and Nayi Chetna 3.0 (Gender Campaign) was held on 25th November 2024 at Town Council Hall, Chumoukedima. It was jointly organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya, Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission and District Administration, Chumoukedima and Dimapur under the theme “United to End the Violence against Women”.
Secretary, Social Welfare, Martha R. Ritse, IAS speaking on the occasion, stated that marking the 25 years since the United Nations designated 25th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women; the annual event launches the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which ends on Human Rights Day, the 10th of December. All stakeholders including governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are invited to join together and organize activities designed to raise public awareness on the issue, she said.
She said that, violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide; it knows no age limit, no geographical boundary, economic or social status. It can take many forms, including domestic or online violence, and unfortunately, that depiction at the world level is also being reflected in the data received here in our State. Nagaland too has been observing this event every year, and we may be surprised to know that not much progress has been made over the years in eliminating this menace from our society, she added.
Ritse, highlighted that the data from Women Helpline Nagaland and One Stop Centres have shown that, of all the violence related cases received over the past 3-4 years, the highest number has been that of domestic violence and the second highest number of cases after domestic violence has been that of cybercrime or cyber-violence against women, which is a new trend now with the increasing use of technology in our daily lives especially amongst the younger generations. She said these data are a very serious and sad reflection of our society. Significant progress has been made across the world including in India with the adoption of laws and policies to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls through prevention strategies and inter-sectorial services to survivors of violence. However, due to weak enforcement and discriminatory social norms, the efforts have been hampered, she added.
In order to eliminate violence against women and girls, she said addressing its root causes is crucial, which includes challenging discriminatory social norms, transforming harmful masculinities, and eliminating structural gender inequalities and stereotypes. Naga society is deeply patriarchal, hence, communities, and parents in particular have an important role to play when it comes to promoting gender equality and building children’s resilience to rigid traditional attitude towards gender in early childhood, she said.
Highlighting the Sambal component under Mission Shakti as a platform for the safety and security of women, schemes such as the Women Helpline 181 and One Stop Centre cater to women who are facing violence and are in distress. She hoped that the programme will be proactive and do our part in creating awareness around us and to bring about an effective change and a violence-free society.”
Addressing on the topic – Way Forward to address Gender-Based Violence the DC, Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang said that early definitions of Gender- based Violence focused primarily on physical acts such as beating or battering but now it widely includes material deprivation, economic exploitation, emotional and sexual abuse including marital rape and even pornography. GBV is often used to represent any act or threat by men or male dominated institutions that inflict physical, sexual or psychological harm on a woman or girl because of their gender or vice-versa.
He also highlighted the reasons for GBV as unequal power relations between men and women resulting in domination and discrimination against women by men. It continues to be fostered and reinforced by the entrenched patriarchal values system, the preservation of traditions that identify women as inferior to men, prevalent illiteracy, power and the low status of women in the society. Some aspects of the statutory, customary and minus provisions make women vulnerable to violence.
In conclusion, he urged all Stake holders to develop a long term plan of action that would address issues on equality for women. It is crucial to enact laws that prohibit violence to women, to monitor the implementation of existing plans to ensure that women’s rights are protected, and to review existing laws and policies periodically to ensure that they adequately protect women’s rights. Sensitization of the public and creation of awareness through the media on the existence of the laws is necessary. In addition, legal and psychosocial support for victims of economic violence should be provided.
DC, Chumoukedima, Polan John in his welcome address said that violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation and most pervasive, as long as it continues we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development or peace, he added.
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Additional Secretary, Social welfare & Mission Director, Mission Shakti, Bodeno S. Colour, briefed on the vision and objectives of mission Shakti and said it is one of the three missions under the Ministry of Women & Child Development and Department of Social Welfare. The Mission Shakti is a scheme mission mode aimed at strengthening interventions for women safety, security and empowerment. She also highlighted two components of Mission Shakti – Samarthya & Sambal components.
Joint Secretary, Rural Development & Mission Director, NSRLM, Imtimenla, highlighted the aims & objectives of the Nayi Chetan 3.0 (Gender Campaign) & Gender Resource centre. It is a national campaign against the Gender based Violence and also a platform to promote gender equality. In Nagaland, the campaign was launched in 2021-22 in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department with the aim to let the woman speak out against gender based Violence and discrimination.
The Social Welfare team led by the Secretary also inspected the New SANKALP District Hub for Empowerment of women and the One Stop Centre Construction Site under Mission Shakti in Chumoukedima and Niuland. The team also visited various centres under Niuland District including CDPO office, DCPO office and Sakhi Niwas- Working Women Hostel.
State Mission Coordinator, SHEW, Mission Shakti, Gracy Ayee was the moderator of the program, while the other highlights were- Performances by Kekhrie Ringa and N. Mhonchumo Shitio. Testimonials – Voices from the grassroots by Naomi Phom, Village Facilitator, NSRLM, Mercy SHG Sangtamtilla Village, Chümoukedima. The concluding remark was delivered by Director, Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi.
