Walkathon & cycling campaign against gender based violence

Participants of the walkathon and cycling campaign in Kohima which kicked off the annual 16 days of activism against gender based violence in Kohima on November 25.  (Photo Courtesy: Women Helpline Nagaland)

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 25 

The annual international campaign—16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence—began today in Kohima, simultaneously observing the 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.’ 

Marking the campaign, a 'Walkathon and Cycling campaign' was flagged off on November 25 from the Old MLA Hostel Junction till the Directorate of Social Welfare, Kohima, with hundreds of Kohima denizens joining the cause. 

Organized by the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, the State Resource Centre for Women-181 Women Helpline Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Women, the campaign will culminate on the Human Rights Day, December 10.

The campaign was commemorated under the 2019 theme, ‘Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!’
During the flag-off, an introduction was delivered by Bano Vinito, Chairperson, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board who urged the people assembled for the campaign “to tell the world that we must stop violence against women.”

A short message on the theme was delivered by Khrienuo Tachü, Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women. In her speech, Tachü affirmed that this generation must fight strongly against the heinous crime of rape, and encouraged the participants to give concerted effort to eliminate rape, “which has become the greatest threat to women’s human rights.”

According to Juliana Medom, Assistant State Coordinator, Social Welfare Department, the purpose of the walkathon was to create awareness on rape and its effect on victims and their families. With 90 percent of the participants being men, Medom noted that on a larger platform “we wanted the men to take the initiative.”

"Why raise awareness on rape after an ugly incident? Why don't we start sensitising the people?" pointed out Medom.
The walkathon was flagged off by Patron of the day, Sarah R. Ritse, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Social Welfare Department. Daisy Mezhür, Secretary, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and Mission Director, SRCW led the pledge to “End Violence Against Women.”

Police, CHILDLINE Kohima, cyclists and skateboarders from ‘Tribal Cult,’ colleges, churches, NGOs and well wishers came out in support of the cause and participated in the walkathon.