‘Naga society must evolve to reach gender parity’

Commissioner & Secretary of Social Welfare, Martha R. Ritse, with other officials and participants during the celebration of 10 years of BBBP under Mission Shakti in Kohima on January 22. (DIPR Photo)

Commissioner & Secretary of Social Welfare, Martha R. Ritse, with other officials and participants during the celebration of 10 years of BBBP under Mission Shakti in Kohima on January 22. (DIPR Photo)

Nagaland among top 5 states for exceptional performance under BBBP scheme

KOHIMA, JANUARY 22 (MExN): The celebration of 10 years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) under Mission Shakti, Social Welfare Department, was held on January 22 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

According to a DIPR report, Commissioner & Secretary of Social Welfare, Martha R Ritse, graced the event as the special guest. Emphasizing that behavioral and social change is crucial in how the girl child is perceived, she stated that while Naga society is much more advanced in terms of girl empowerment compared to the rest of the nation, there are still subtle changes that need to be made in order to achieve  gender parity.

She stated that BBBP is not just a scheme for empowerment in specific sectors but for the development of women across all sectors of society. She stressed the importance of the convergence of various departments to foster increased collaboration, furthering the scheme’s objectives in both letter and spirit, describing it as a “multi-sectoral scheme.”

She mentioned that around 1,000 programs have been conducted under the scheme, and the impacts are evident, with Nagaland ranking among the top five states for exceptional performance. She encouraged women to break the glass ceiling in all areas.

Scheme operational in all 16 districts
Secretary, Social Welfare & Mission Director of Mission Shakti, Bodeno S. Colo, informed that the scheme is operational in all 16 districts of the state and has shown increased performance and impact over the years. She also administered a pledge to the congregation to eliminate gender-based discrimination.

She provided a brief introduction to the scheme, noting that it was launched in Sonepat, Haryana, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 under the joint collaboration of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Education.

She emphasized the objectives of the BBBP, which include improving the sex ratio at birth, increasing institutional deliveries, promoting enrollment in secondary education, and encouraging sports and skill development among girls.

Breaking stereotypes
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, emphasized that for India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2040, there needs to be a collective effort from all stakeholders of society. This can only happen if societal stereotypes are addressed. He stated that BBBP is a scheme designed to break those stereotypes both at home and in the workplace, enabling women to play a larger and more active role in nation-building.

The DC presented the best practices conducted under the BBBP scheme in Kohima district over the years. These included workshops in literature, computers, self-defense, baking, sports, scientific temperament, career guidance, sensitivity to women and indigenous rights, as well as free coaching classes for NSSB exam aspirants. 

He also mentioned the increased collaboration with Village Councils and Village Development Boards, which play a crucial role in implementing the scheme at the grassroots level. He concluded the presentation by expressing his anticipation for future collaboration with all stakeholders to further the scheme’s vision in the coming years.

Earlier, the program began with a prayer by Rev TW Yamyap Konyak, State Chaplain, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, for the success of the program and the continued success of the scheme, followed by the felicitation of officials with indigenous plants and hampers. Attendees were also encouraged to take home a plant as a symbol of their commitment to working toward the empowerment of the girl child. Kevisesenuo Jane Solo recited the poem “Let Me Bloom” by Vishü Rita Krocha on the theme of ‘Empowering Girls.’

The program concluded with remarks from Tosheli Zhimomi, Director of the Social Welfare Department and Member Secretary of Mission Shakti, who thanked all invitees, department officials, staff, students, NGOs, and civil societies for being part of the historic celebration. She encouraged students to aspire to take up space in all facets of society. The technical session was moderated by Meneno V., Gender Specialist, SHEW, Mission Shakti.
 



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