Social welfare dept vows to sensitize people on violence against women
16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, till December 10, Human Rights Day
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 25
Parliamentary secretary for social welfare, Merentoshi R Jamir on Saturday said the social welfare department will work out a mechanism to sensitize the people in authority, village councils, administration, police on the issue of violence against women and girls in Nagaland.
“We need to sensitize our people,” he said while addressing the “International day for the elimination of violence against women” at the state capital under the theme “Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls” held under the aegis of Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland and the State Resource Centre for Women (Nagaland Chapter).
Coinciding with this observance, the building of Sakhi- One Stop Centre Kohima was also inaugurated by Jamir. This is the second of its kind after Dimapur. It is located at Directorate of Social Welfare, Officer’s Hill, near The Heritage. Expressing dismay over the occurrence of violence against women and child abuse in the state, who are (women and children) the two most important sections in the society, he lamented, “Where has our society gone wrong?”
Jamir recalled stories and tales of how men-folk accorded respect to women and children in the times of the forefathers. The Morung system in villages to inculcate the tradition and cultural values to children is one example of how forefathers given importance to children and respect accorded to women.
“But today, it is unfortunate to see domestic violence, discrimination and abuse,” he said and felt that such issues are emerging because of advancement of technology, easy access to internet, social media.
Jamir strongly viewed that social media should be used for positive aspect. He lamented that in present Nagaland, social media is being used in a very negative way be it criticism against government or any other social related issues. Toward this, Jamir termed it as pressing to inculcate among the younger generation the importance of using social media responsibly.
Jamir also said the answer to removing violence against women is to change our mindset and attitude. “Women can do much more than men. We need to change our mindset and the mindset can change if women start speaking out.” “Do not keep inside. Don’t be scared to speak out,” he encouraged the women folks.
The parliamentary secretary also assured that the department will do everything possible to protect and safeguard the interest of women and children in the state. Later, Jamir launched the 16 days of activism against gender based- violence campaign which will conclude with the Human Rights Day on December 10.
Daisy Mezhur, secretary Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and mission director State Resource Centre for Women said that through Dial 181 Women Helpline Nagaland and Sakhi –One Stop Centre, it has received 2, 16, 447 phone calls till date and the total number of cases addressed stands at 106.
Kohima SP Vekhosa Chakhesang said that violence against women being a stigmatized issue; many women do not come forward to report the cases. “There is a need to create mass awareness to sensitize the community and most importantly to protect the victims,” he said.
Appealing all responsible citizens to report any form of child abuse or violence against women, the SP assured that the police in conjunction with various agencies will put its efforts in addressing issues.
Sakhi- One Stop Centre Kohima
The inauguration of the Sakhi- One Stop Centre Kohima building is considered as significant in commemorating the “International day for the elimination of violence against women.”
Sakhi- One Stop Centre is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, funded through Nirbhaya. The objective is to provide integrated support for women affected by violence in private and public spaces within the family, community and at work place under one roof.
With the increase of gender based violence and Kohima district being recorded the highest in crime on violence against women; the Sakhi- One Stop Centre Kohima was launched on November 25, 2016 on the occasion of “International day for the elimination of violence against women” by late Kiyanilie Peseyie, minister for social welfare.
The first One Stop Centre was established in Dimapur in the premises of Dimapur Civil Hospital.
Since the inception, One Stop Centre Kohima has received and dealt with the cases of domestic violence, rape, cyber crime, missing case etc.
The Centre will open 24 hours with referral facilities, emergency response and rescue services, medical assistance, assistance to women in lodging FIR/DIR, psycho-social support/counseling, legal aid, temporary shelter for victims and video conferencing.
