Women and girls from Tuensang’s 15 wards gather with organisers of the ‘Breaking the Silence’ campaign, led by Changsao Thangjam Setshang (CTS) in collaboration with Mission Shakti, following the town-wide initiative to reclaim the right to safety and awareness.
Moses Hongang Chang
Tuensang | May 11
For 15 days, from April 21 to May 10, the voices of women and girls echoed through schools, ward halls, and churches across Tuensang town. It wasn’t a rally, it wasn’t a celebration. It was something deeper, more urgent — a campaign that dared to speak of things that have too often been shrouded in silence.
Organised by the Changsao Thangjam Setshang (CTS) in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the campaign titled ‘Breaking the Silence’ for a Safer Tomorrow reached 15 wards across the district. It brought with it not only hard truths, but also new hope — that women, especially the young girls of Tuensang, might no longer walk through life looking over their shoulders.
“I see our girls walking home in the dark — quiet, cautious,” stated CTS President , Asen C Chang. “It’s not that our town is unsafe, but we can’t ignore the unease that lingers. How long will we brush things aside?”
The campaign was a response to that lingering unease — a collective reckoning with what has long been ignored. It began with groundwork laid during a Joint Coordination Meeting held on March 23 at the CTS Hall. Chaired by CTS President Asen C. Chang, the meeting was attended by chairmen from all 15 Tuensang town wards, along with a female representative from each. An opening prayer by Kundang, Executive Member CTS set the tone for what would be a deeply introspective gathering.
“There is no age for women when we talk about safety,” Asen C Chang said in her keynote address. “This campaign is our commitment to speak up — for ourselves and for the daughters who look up to us.”
Each ward chairman or president, along with male representatives, was tasked to mobilise all females aged 13 and above from their respective wards to attend the sessions.
In each of the 15 wards, sessions were held to educate, empower and initiate conversations around women’s rights, legal protections, and support systems. Chulongla, Centre Administrator of the Sakhi One Stop Centre Tuensang — which covers both Tuensang and Noklak districts — played a pivotal role. She explained the importance of having a single-window service for women affected by violence, and shared that over 100 cases had been registered at the Tuensang OSC to date.
“Many do not even know this centre exists,” she said. “We are here to offer 24-hour support. No woman should suffer in silence.” The 181 helpline, she reminded the audience, is open day and night to respond to any form of violence against women or children.
One young woman from Post Office Ward came up to the organisers after a session. “The availability of such rights and services was unknown to us,” she said. “But now that we’re informed, we feel equipped. We know who to reach out to.”
Antimangyang, Advocate with the Tuensang District Legal Services Authority, led an awareness session on legal rights and protections. She spoke of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the POSH Act of 2013 — all critical tools for women’s safety. Her message was not only about justice, but about recognising abuse in all its forms and encouraging victims to speak without shame.
“She even explained the difference between good and bad touch,” said one participant.
A mother from St. John B Ward said she had never realised the full scope of crimes happening to women and girls. “This seminar has opened our eyes. We need to be more alert and more involved,” she shared with CTS officials after the program.
Indeed, one of the more painful recognitions that emerged during the campaign was how normalized silence had become. Shame, rather than support, was often the first response to any form of abuse. “Had every woman from every household attended these seminars, many of our girls might have been safer,” said one volunteer.
The campaign also called for structural change. A demographic census of all females across wards was initiated, including new-borns to the elderly — a step toward better planning, vigilance, and targeted support. Ward leaders agreed to proactively monitor their localities, especially around nightlife, drug use, and unsafe gatherings.
Speaking to The Morung Express, a father from Polounyu Ward offered a striking perspective. “It is important to empower women with this information,” he said, “because they are the ones who speak openly with both sons and daughters.”
CTS officials acknowledged that male members were not a part of this seminars. However, the ward chairmen who mobilised women participants voiced strong support. “This awareness drive is the need of the hour,” said one leader, adding that future campaigns should strive for wider male engagement.
When asked, Sonya, the General Secretary of CTS, summed up the collective sentiment: “We didn’t just speak about rights — we restored confidence in our women. For the first time, many felt seen, heard, and supported.”
On this Mother’s Day, the campaign may not have offered flowers or festivities, but it offered something far more powerful — a promise. A promise that no woman or girl should feel alone, afraid, or ashamed. A promise that their safety will no longer be brushed aside.
“I hope our daughters grow up bold and unafraid,” said one mother quietly.
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