The Noklak District Administration in collaboration with District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Noklak under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao organised International Day of the Girl Child on the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership and Well-Being” on Wednesday at Government Higher Secondary School Noklak.
Vikuonuo Sachü, former Miss Nagaland and Founder of Miraculum Society, speaking on the significance of the day said that the day is equally important to boys and men because it is only with their support that girls’ rights will be addressed, young girls will be empowered and will be able to produce women who can change the society.
Lamenting that young girls are made to have a burden of responsibility even before she becomes aware of the world which is a sad reality in the society, Sachü asserted that such reality can be eliminated by coming together and recognising the rights of a girl child. Further, she stated that when a society is able to invest in a girl child, it would result in an empowered woman with courage and bravery. Sachü stated that she was proud of the woman she has become and credited her grandparents for investing on her education.
“When we say give rights to a girl child, we are not here to get unrealistic expectations but all we expect is right opportunity and right status”, the former Miss Nagaland said, adding, “when you follow the rights of your own kind, you will become a very transformative woman.” Sachü advocated that social discrimination towards a girl child can only be changed by understanding and recognising the girls’ rights and by participating in events and programs and invest in a girl child.
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Kathyinla, EAC Noklak while addressing the students about the girls’ rights urged them to question themselves why the girl child is deprived in certain aspects. She appreciated the Khiamniungan community for taking up importance on educating girl child which can be seen through the enrolment of 234 girl students in classes 10, 11 and 12.
Pointing out two important practical things to do as girl child in bringing changes in the society, Kathyinla urged the students to first ‘Speak Up’ about the issues that matters to them. It is only when you speak up that you bring a change, she stated.
Speaking about the major role played by boys and men, the EAC further said that the decisions taken by men will greatly impact the female members of their family.
Stressing on the second important practical thing ‘Take Up Space’, Kathyinla spoke on the involvement and opportunities taken up by girls which ensures equal participation. Along with the academic education, it is important that a girl child explore avenues by learning vocational activities and that is how they start taking up spaces, she stated. Kathyinla encouraged the students that each one of them is capable of becoming future leaders, adding that wellbeing in not just physical well-being but mental and emotional well-being.
Further, she said that by ‘Knowing the Rights’, a girl child becomes an empowered individual, wiser and important decision maker who brings positive changes in the society.
As part of the event, all the high schools were visited with the aim to create awareness on the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child.
The District Administration Noklak has initiated a memorial award in memory of Lt. Supou who was murdered in Dimapur in May 2023, called “Lt. Supou Memorial Award’ for outstanding achievers in HSLC and HSSL exams.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Chongkoi K, PGT, GHSS Noklak and a special number was presented by Tsuliam.
