Kohima, January 24 (MExN): The Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) and the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), Nagaland today celebrated National Girl Child Day under the theme, “Cherishing Our Girl Child,” at Nerhema Model Village Council Hall, Chiephobozou Block under Kohima district.
Meneno V, Research Officer, SRCW chaired the programme and Pastor Dziesetuolie Chadi of Chiephobozou Baptist Church pronounced the invocation. Welcome address was delivered by Daisy Mezhur, Secretary, NSSWB and Mission Director, SRCW. She stressed on the importance of people’s participation for any government programme to be successful.
A special song was presented by the Young Apostles of Christ (YAC), St. Dominic’s Church, Chiephobozou. This was followed by “Blessing for the Children,” which was pronounced by Martin Medochuo Chadi, President, Junior C.E., St. Dominic’s Church, Chiephobozou. Gracy Ayee, State Coordinator, SRCW and Kenei Usou organized special activities for the children.
Bano Vinito, Chairperson of the NSSWB shared on the significance of the Girl Child Day. She also stressed on strengthening and paving way for the girl child through education. Pointing out that Naga girls do not have inheritance rights, she called on parents to equip their Girl Child with education for their future security. She urged young girls to be sincere in their studies, and prepare themselves in order to have a good life.
This was followed by an open discussion where several people from the community shared their concerns regarding the need for vocational trainings to generate income for young girls and school dropouts and various issues concerning women Self Help Groups. These concerns and grievances were noted.
A meeting regarding these issues was held after the programme. Village heads, church leaders, and women societies, children of all age groups and members of villages under Chiephobozou block attended the programme. Ruokuosalie Rulho, Block Coordinator, State Resource Centre for Women, along with other volunteers mobilized the community to attend this important event. Avinuo Kire, Assistant State Coordinator, SRCW gave the vote of thanks, acknowledging all who had worked towards the success of the program, and all those present. The benediction was pronounced by Catechist Duoneilie Keiwhuo, St Dominic’s Church, Chiephobozou.
