Chizokho Vero
April 7
Kohima: The rising instances of rape and domestic violence against women were viewed with seriousness at the one-day discussion on “Women’s rights, customary laws and violence against women” at the Nagaland University Conference Hall, Kohima.
Held under the aegis of the Nagaland University Teachers Association, Kohima in association with the Indigenous Women Research Centre, the participants felt the need to impose severe action against rapists. The participants also took cognizance that there were cases of violence against women went unreported due to various insecurities and societal factors.
It also strongly viewed the need to fight for women rights and to play an effective role in decision-making bodies. Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Indira Jaisingh focused on several cases relating to discrimination against women, fundamental rights, right to work, right to approach for information with the Right to Information Act, coming into force in the country.
Replying to a query on customary laws, she observed that the demand for change has to come from the community, adding that government does not interfere in the change of custom. Touching on fundamental rights, Jaisingh also appealed the women to approach courts for justice in case of the violation of their rights. The former, who came all the way from New Delhi, is well known for her work in advocacy of protection of human rights, rights of women and those of the poor working class. She will leave the state capital for Delhi on Saturday.
Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA) president Rosemary Dvuvichu expressed concern over the constraints faced by women in major decision-making bodies of the state. She pointed out that women are strongly governed by customary laws while expressing regret that women have no representation in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and ‘not a single woman representation in the apex Naga Hoho’ as well. The time has come to seriously think about it, she said.
She also emphasized on the need to provide a space for women in the village judiciary.
While acknowledging that women have representation in the Village Council and Village Development Board, she, however, regretted that their representations in those bodies were mostly reflected only in paper but ‘not in reality.’
“We still have a long way to go,” she said. Referring to reservation, Rosemary felt that a time has come for the women not to wait for reservation but women should also come forward. Ayo, a lawyer said many women still do not have courage to approach the court and at the same time ignorant of various procedures to seek for justice. She added that there is a traditional/village court for justice where many consider it as appropriate, timely justice without involvement of money.
Also the Naga Mother’s Association (NMA) former president Neidonou termed the discussion as “very educative, adding “We see a lot of challenges for our women. We should learn how to stand up.” NMA’s Joint Secretary asserted that women need to be fully equipped to stand for their rights. “We have to fight what is our right,” she said.
