Building ‘a Nagaland free from all forms of violence against women’

SRCW puts spotlight on creating awareness

Kohima, November 24 (MExN): For the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, Nagaland is putting the focus on creating awareness and sensitising the masses on the issue of violence against women.

In a statement on Wednesday, the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), Nagaland informed that the number of cases of violence against women received in Sakhi - One Stop Centres (OSC) in 11 districts was about 683 cases, and around 253 cases at the 181-Women Helpline Nagaland (181-WHL) from inception in 2016 till October, 2021.

It said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of domestic violence cases, mostly “on account of the fact that many women are forced to quarantine with their abusers.” Stating that women are experiencing more severe challenges for their security, health and finances, the SRCW also pointed out that there has also been an increase in cybercrimes during the pandemic, particularly on account of the widespread use of electronic/ internet service and the subsequent lockdowns leading to the misuse of these devices. 

“The need of the hour is to sensitize the people on gender related violence issues and create awareness on the legal remedies that are available to them,” the statement read.

Car campaign

According to the statement, this year, along with the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK), 181-Women Helpline Nagaland, Sakhi- One Stop Centre (OSC), CHILDLINE 1098, Nagaland Adventure Club (NAC), Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP), the SRCW will organise a ‘Car Campaign’ to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in the state capital, Kohima. The main objective behind this car campaign is to create awareness and sensitize the masses on the issue of violence against women.

Another significant initiative is the Purple Ribbon Campaign, which has been adopted as a mark to show solidarity with women who are victims of violence and also to create public awareness and positively change societal attitudes and behaviors about violence against women. With this intent, purple ribbon badges will be pinned on people to commemorate this day, it said. 

To prevent all forms of violence against women, the district administrations along with the team members of Sakhi-OSCs, MSK-District Level Centres for Women (DLCW) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are actively campaigning to sensitize and create awareness on issues/ problems as well as services available to women affected by violence, the SRCW stated. 

‘End Violence against Women Now’

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women also launches the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will conclude on December 10, Human Rights Day, with the theme, ‘End Violence against Women Now!’ 

The SRCW, emphasising on the significance of the day, stated that it is commemorated as a call to end all forms of violence against women whether it is in the private or public sphere. “Gender Based Violence includes sexual violence, physical violence, emotional and psychological violence, online and digital violence, harmful traditional practices and socio-economic violence,” it underscored, while adding that violence against women exists irrespective of their status, class, caste and religion. “It is a common issue that we find everywhere whether in the home, school, at work or on the streets. Some women and girls experience this violence throughout their life,” the statement read.

Globally, it said less than 40% of women who experience violence seek help, as per UN reports.

In the context of Nagaland State, many of such cases are hushed and unreported, particularly cases of domestic violence, the SRCW stated while underlining that victims hesitate to report due to complex harsh realities including “fear of society’s stigmatization, pressure from the relatives/ families in order to avoid reporting, ignorance about their constitutional rights, concerns about the uncertainty of the children’s future and custody issues, insecurity about not having alternative support system, etc.”

Stating that gender based violence is a global pandemic; it said that any step towards the elimination of violence against women should be seen as not only an effort to question the deeply rooted patriarchal system but also a step towards women empowerment.

“All stakeholders, men and women are called upon to help end violence against women in Nagaland and beyond. A Nagaland free from all forms of violence against women is our appeal and prayer to one and all,” it added.