Kohima, September 12 (MExN): The Universalization of Women Helpline (WHL) Scheme, which, along with Sakhi-One Stop Centre (OSC), was launched by PB Acharya, Governor of Nagaland on June 23, 2016, has begun its first phase of awareness generation programmes beginning in Kohima. State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) Nagaland is the nodal agency for implementing the schemes in the State.
The Women Helpline (181) is a Universal number providing 24-hour toll-free emergency response to all women and girls affected by violence both in public and private spheres, through referral (linking with appropriate authority such as Police, One Stop Centre, hospital, etc.); as well, information about women related government schemes and programmes across the country are also provided through a single uniform number, 181. The Sakhi-OSC is established in Dimapur in the premises of the District Hospital.
The Women Helpline-181 team has begun its awareness activities through open house, outreach programmes (house-to-house), visiting schools and colleges. The first open house was initiated by CHILDLINE Kohima at the Police Union Baptist Church, New Reserve (Phesama), Kohima on August 21.
The WHL-181 team organized an awareness programme at Model Christian College, Auditorium on August 31. Keynote address was delivered by Jamkhanmoi, Dean of Academics, MCC. A brief introduction on 181 Women Helpline and Sakhi-One Stop Centre was given by Lanuienla Imchen, Helpline Manager, WHL-181, and a PowerPoint presentation followed where Renthunglo Kikon, WHL-181 Call Responder, informed on the working mechanisms of the 181 Women Helpline. The students participated in a role-play, portraying a case on Domestic Violence, where a live-call was made to the 181.
Another awareness programme on WHL 181, Sakhi OSC, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), CHILDLINE 1098, and Iodine Deficiency Disorders was organized by the SRCW in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare on September 3 at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.
Anungla Aier, Principal, Kohima Science College delivered the keynote address. An introduction to BBBP was made by Juliana Medom, Assistant State Coordinator, SRCW, while Lanuienla Imchen, Helpline Manager, WHL-181 gave a brief overview on the Status of Women and Violence in the country and in Naga Society in particular. A PowerPoint presentation was made by Meziwang Zeliang, WHL-181 Call Responder on the working mechanisms and support services of 181 Women Helpline Nagaland. An interaction session was also held, followed by the participation of student groups in role play, based on the topics of human rights, violence against women, cyber crime, stalking and domestic violence, as well as a quiz.
Dr. Vezokho Kapu, CHILDLINE Kohima Coordinator introduced CHILDLINE Kohima to the audience. He informed that CHILDLINE Kohima has to date received around 800 calls, out of which 150 cases have been registered. Dr. Aseno Rhetso, Nodal Officer, Kohima NIDDCP, Department of Health and Family Welfare spoke on the importance of Iodine and gave a PowerPoint presentation on Iodine Deficiency Disorders and demonstrated the testing of Iodine. She also spoke on the prevention of Leprosy, of which cases are increasing at a high rate with 50-60 patients in Dimapur and Kohima.
Dr. Akuo Sorhie, State Programme Officer, NIDDCP, Department of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the importance of Iodine, especially for a pregnant woman and for her unborn child.
On September 8, WHL-181 team visited Dainty Buds Higher Secondary School where Renthunglo Kikon chaired the programme and a PowerPoint presentation on the working mechanism of 181 Women Helpline was presented by Chothalü Phesa-o WHL-181 Senior Call Responder.
A press release further informed that the awareness activities will continue in the coming months as well, in order to reach out to the public, so that women and girls in situations of violence can avail the services offered to them through the Women Helpline-181 and the Sakhi-OSC.
