Morung Express News
Kohima | November 24
The sexual harassment takes place everywhere including Nagaland and it is time “we voice out against it” stated Sarah R Ritse, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare on November 24.
“It is a reality and it is time we voice out against it,” she affirmed citing the global movement-#MeToo campaign- initiated through the social media like Twitter and Facebook which highlighted the magnitude of sexual harassment at work place.
Ritse was speaking as the guest of honor at the launching programme of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence at Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) office in Kohima.
Adopting the universal theme, ‘End Gender-based violence in the world of work,’ the campaign is slated from November 25 till December 10.
Dwelling on the threat and hindrance in achieving gender equality, Ritse highlighted acts and provisions against gender-based violence in the country and the State.
She also pointed out the existence of a ‘Complaints Committee’ in the Nagaland Government to address harassment and violence at work place.
Delving further into the special legislation– Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (prevention, prohibition and redressal) Act 2013, the Secretary informed that the act aims to ensure safe working spaces for women and to build enabling work environment that respects women’s right to equality of status and opportunity. She also highlighted other significant initiatives taken by the State’s Department of Social Welfare to cater to women affected by violence including the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) which acts as the nodal agency in facilitating the implementation of schemes supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Schemes like Women Helpline 181, Saki-one stop centre and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao are implemented by the agency. Ritse appealed to the public not to tolerate any form of violence against women and to report any violence through these mentioned services.
