Social Welfare Advisor, Wangpang Konyak with others during the launch of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Nagaland on November 25. (Morung Photo)
Violence against women a human issue, not just ‘women’s issue’: Advisor Wangpang Konyak
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 25
Nagaland is witnessing an alarming rise in reported crimes against women, Social Welfare Advisor Wangpang Konyak cautioned today, citing recent cases in Kohima as indicative of a growing concern that requires immediate attention.
He sounded the concern while referring to global trends, noting that almost one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime, underscoring the widespread and persistent nature of the issue.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ in Kohima, he added, “Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world.”
To this end, Konyak stressed that the campaign must mark “the beginning of a journey we make together, where no woman or girl in Nagaland will live in fear simply because of her gender.”
The State-level programme at the Capital Convention Centre, held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marks the beginning of 16 days of awareness campaigns, advocacy and coordinated action across Nagaland to address gender-based violence.
Dwelling further on the State’s status, the Advisor maintained that the Mission Shakti One Stop Centres and Women Helpline-181 continue to receive multiple cases, often from women who choose to remain anonymous due to the stigma attached.
“The recent incidents in Kohima are a wake-up call. As a Christian State and as communities that have always held women in high regard, this casts a dark shadow on society,” he said.
Konyak also underscored that it is important for everyone to understand that violence against women is not just a “women’s issue” but a human issue. Every act of violence, he said, steals not only her dignity but the dignity of the entire community.
HeForShe movement
The Advisor, who is also the Chief Ambassador of the HeForShe movement, stated that the campaign changes the traditional narrative by making gender equality a benefit to all and urged everyone to become ambassadors of women’s safety in all walks of life.
“Real men do not raise their hands against women. Real men raise their voices with women. Real men teach their sons respect and show by example that true strength lies in protecting our women,” he added.
Accordingly, he urged every man across Nagaland to join the HeForShe pledge saying: “Stand up when you see wrong. Speak out when jokes turn cruel. Intervene when a sister, wife or daughter is in danger.”
To the women of Nagaland, Konyak conveyed that they are not alone, assuring that the Government of Nagaland, Mission Shakti, the Department of Social Welfare and “thousands of men like him” stand beside them, sharing their pain and drawing inspiration from their courage.
Meanwhile, he also urged everyone to make Nagaland a State where every daughter goes to school without fear, every wife sleeps in peace, and every woman walks with her head held high.
Konyak also lauded the Mission Shakti functionaries for their dedicated service and encouraged them to continue providing their support to women in distress.
The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development through various schemes and the Hub for Empowerment of Women, stands firmly with the State, and that the Social Welfare Department is carrying forward these objectives with commitment, he added.
Gender Resource Centres expand to 7 new RD blocks
Inaugurating the expansion of Gender Resource Centres (GRCs) to seven new RD blocks—Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Changtongya, Pfütsero, Wokha, and Satakha, he congratulated the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) under Rural Development.
Taking empowerment to the block and village levels through Self-Help Groups is creating visible, positive change at the grassroots, he said.
He further maintained that the GRCs will be a safe space for survivors, a learning hub for families, and a training centre for police, village councils, churches and students’ bodies to respond with compassion and speed.
The event also featured an introduction to GRCs by Khriezovonuo Lhoungu, State Programme Manager, NSRLM as well as screening of legal provisions for women and children, and the services of Mission Shakti.
The programme was chaired by Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, Social Welfare Department, Nagaland while vote of thanks was proposed by Yongchingkumla, secretary, social welfare department, Nagaland.
