‘It is only when women realize their full potential, we as a society will realize ours’
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 24
Under the theme ‘My girl Child- my asset, not a liability’, the National Girl Child Day 2017 was observed on January 24 at Capital Convention Hall with Chief Minister TR Zeliang as the Chief Guest, and Minister for Social Welfare Kiyaneilie Peseyie, as the Guest of Honor.
Organised by the Department of Social welfare and the State Resource Centre for Women, the event witnessed young talents. The program was chaired by 9 years old Jentina Yaomei Shangkhu and special numbers were presented by 11 year old Benjongsola Jamir and 11 year old Ruovilhou Kense.
Outlining the state vision for the girl child, Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar emphasized on the need to focus on the basics like access to food, education, healthcare and a more caring environment at home and outside. “On growing up, she would have the opportunities for employment and the power to make decisions within the home and outside of it without discrimination or disadvantage,” noted Kumar.
On the healthcare of the mother and girl child, he stated that only 38 per cent of deliveries in Nagaland are institutional compared to 49 per cent of the country as a whole. “The immunization coverage is 33 percent which is almost half of the national average of 65 percent. So clearly we have a lot of work to do in this area.”
While the girl child is faring well in the field of education, Kumar pointed out that there are districts in Nagaland where the literacy gap between males and females is higher than the state average. For the last three years, although the girls have outdone the boys in HSSLC, the pass percentage of girls in HSLC is slightly lower than that of boys.
Kumar, however noted that the State today takes pride on Naga women who have progressed in all spheres of life. Citing the full armed battalion of women in Nagaland police, the introduction of 33 percent reservation for women, and the setting up of the two full fledged women police stations, Kumar asserted that if a male bastion like the Police can change, there is no reason why other spheres of activities cannot change.
“It is only when women realize their full potential, we as a society will realize ours,” he stated. Minister for Social Welfare, Kiyaneilie Peseyie urged for work towards ensuring quality education to girls. “To also work towards her survival and her well being, let us also give our best so that the various schemes which are specially meant for children reach those who deserve the most. The future of these girls lies in the decision we take today. Let us be committed to work for the benefit of the children in general and our child in particular,” he appealed.
During the celebration, 11 year old Mhobeni Ezung received the Bravery Award for rescuing her grandmother from drowning in 2014, at Wokha. Ezung is also a recipient of the National Bravery Award.
