Dimapur, Dec 20 (MExN): Envisaging generation of awareness and also identification of the needs and social issues of women in Nagaland, the Directorate of Women Development, Government of Nagaland has been organizing a series of consultative meetings with apex women organizations and women leaders in all districts.
So far the following district headquarters – Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Longleng, Phek, Wokha and Tuensang have been paid visit by the Women Directorate’s officials in pursuance of the above stated objectives. Most recent visits include to Longleng on December 6, Mokokchung on the 7th and Wokha on December 11. Only the districts of Mon and Kiphire remains to be covered.
The purpose of the programme is to generate awareness on the activities of the department of Women Development; garnering first-hand information on the situation of women in every district; identifying specific needs of each district to incorporate them into the department’s programmes; to consult with apex women bodies, leaders and organizations for ways to devise joint and realistic approach towards addressing problems faced by women as well as intervene for their development.
In discussions held in the various districts, the following issues were highlighted: critical awareness generation on all issues concerning women; retention of the girl-child in school; capacity-building of Village Development Board women members; health concerns, alcohol, prostitution and comparative problems; HIV-infected, deserted/destitute women; inclusion of women constables in the departments of police and excise and the need for a clear concept of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The Directorate of Women Development sincerely hopes that such initiatives would serve as a source of encouragement to women’s organizations and women leaders in Nagaland with whom wide-ranging discussions were held. The department also hopes the women concerned would step forward to support and assist the department in its endeavor to tackle the issues highlighted above as well as related matter.
