Nagaland pledge to raise voice against gender- based violence

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 25

Nagaland on Saturday undertook a pledge to raise voice against gender- based violence during the observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women under the theme “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against Women & Girls!”

Observing the day at Old NST Kohima, Nagaland's Social Welfare Secretary, Martha R Ritse administered the pledge and launched 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

The gathering had taken pledge to raise voice and help women who are victimized by gender- based violence.

They also pledged “to never commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence, sexual harassment, cyber crime or any form of violence in homes, communities, work places and digital spaces.”

The gathering had also taken pledge to encourage men and women to mentor children to live violence free and to report all known, suspected or witnessed incidents of violence against any woman or child to an agency/organization who can assist the victims.

Also by wearing Purple Ribbon Badges, the gathering extended solidarity with the victims of gender- based violence and condemned all forms of violence against women and girls.

‘Report gender-based violence to authority’
Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma expressed concern over the less number of women’s presence in Nagaland Police. From our side, we are trying to push-up the number, he said.

He strongly viewed that physical abuse in the family and other gender- related violence should be reported to the authority.
Sharma also stressed on the need to come up with some mechanisms and preventive measures and also documentation of abuse and violence against women and child.

Later, Sharma initiated the start of signature campaign on “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence”, which will culminate on Human Rights Day on December 10.

Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Kumar Ramnikant said that majority of the gender related violence goes unreported. “We need to change our mentality,” he said and asked the concerned not to remain silent on the prevailing domestic violence in the society.

Stating that there is helpline for women and child, he told the concerned to report to the authority in case they found any case of violence. “We are there to support you,” he said.

He also called upon the women folk to avail various available services so that “we can improve our service delivery system."

Violence against women affects 1 in 3 women
Ritse said that violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent, pervasive and systematic human rights violation in the world, affecting more than an estimated 1 in 3 women.

“It continues to be mostly unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it,” she said.

Ritse said that data from one stop centre and women helpline in Nagaland show that from all types of gender-based violence case reported, the highest number has been that of domestic violence.

Violence against women is an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights.

Every woman and child deserves to live without fear, abuse, threats, harms and violence, she said

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) member Kekhrienuo Meyase.
The occasion also witnessed special performances by Lenen Jamir and Mengu Suokhrie and poetry reading by Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Imkongzenla, Joint Director, Social Welfare.

The programme was organised by Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland State Commission for Women, State Hub for Empowerment of Women and BBBP- District Administration Kohima.