DHEW Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Mission Shakti) in Zunheboto has been working towards promoting women’s safety and empowerment.
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | March 3
The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Mission Shakti) in Zunheboto, funded by the Central Government (90%) and the State Government (10%), has been working towards promoting women’s safety and empowerment under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
In an exclusive conversation with The Morung Express, Kiyepu N Yeptho and Vivini H Yeptho, Gender Specialists at DHEW Zunheboto, revealed that the office provides financial assistance of Rs 5000 during the delivery of the first child (for both male and female children) and distributes gift hampers for every birth of a female child. Additionally, tree saplings are planted to commemorate these occasions.
The DHEW has introduced several clubs to empower young girls, including the Girls Sports Club, Adolescent Club, Girl Child Friendly Club, and Adolescent Girls Club, which focus on skill development. DHEW also offer training in netting, baking and computer diploma courses. In 2024, the first phase saw 20 applicants undergoing a six-month training course. This year, the second phase is set to begin with 25 applicants.
“This will help develop self-reliance for the girl child, as computer knowledge is essential in today's society, whether for competitive exams or for starting a computer printing press for a sustainable livelihood,” Kiyepu stated.
The SSA programme was also conducted, with many women now availing the benefits and opening bank accounts in collaboration with the Indian Post Office.
Vivini highlighted that the office sponsors students from sub-districts who come to the district headquarters to appear for board examinations. The DHEW provides hostel facilities and coaching to these students. In 2024, 21 students benefited from this initiative, and this year, 25 students are receiving similar assistance.
However, the office faces challenges, particularly with Anganwadi workers, as the older ones lack knowledge of technology. As everything has now gone digital, it makes coordination difficult.
Vivini also added that their work extends beyond office tasks, with outreach programmes. They have plans to visit all the sub-divisions within Zunheboto district, it was informed.
The Gender Specialists raised concerns about the non-functional state of the Working Women’s Hostel in Zunheboto. “There is a need for the revitalization of the working women’s hostel,” it stated.
Additionally, they mentioned that the Aghilito Multipurpose Cooperative Society manages the Working Women’s Hostel in Atoizu with 20 rooms and 30 residents, along with 8-9 staff members as per records. “However, the DHEW office is uncertain about the hostel’s current operational status and whether it is privately owned,” they added.
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