Kohima| November 21 : The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) today has submitted copies of its recommendations/observations to the State government, which was compiled after visits to all district jails/hospitals as part of a legal awareness programme “Statutory Rights of Women” from July to October 2011. The NSCW led by Chairperson Sano Vamuzo and the two members met the Minister for Health and Family Welfare Kuzholuzo Nienu and Chief Secretary Lalthara, to submit separate recommendations on various issues related to women in the State.
In the representation submitted to the Health Minister, the NSCW stated that there is need to improve the conditions of the labour rooms in all the district hospitals. It observed that all of the labour rooms except in Mon district are not fit for proper aseptic delivery.
“There is in need to provide suitable labour tables and all facilities related especially proper attached bathrooms with European commodes,” the NSCW stated. The Commission also suggested separate maternity wards in all the district hospitals along with the necessary facilities. It further stated that facilities for new born baby care centers need to be established in all the district hospitals at the earliest. The Commission felt that the department needs to take this up at earliest possible time to ensure the placement of such facilities, in order to safeguard the health of the child and mother. It also conveyed the need for establishing 150 beds Maternal & Child Health Unit at Naga Hospital Kohima.
The NSCW also visited all the districts jails, where it observed- after interaction with all jail authorities- that there is absolute need for a full time doctor with psychiatric knowledge, especially in Kohima and Dimapur district jails. It also stated the need for more women police constables in all the districts due to rising crimes against women and also because of increasing involvement of women in criminal activities.
The NSCW further observed the need for the government to implement compulsorily the “Registration of Marriage Act” in Nagaland at the earliest. It also felt that the State government must implement the provisions of the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act” in toto by appointing Protection Officers; identifying credible service providers in all district at the earliest and to ensure protection of women. It also called for amendment of customary laws with regard to inheritance, maintenance, property and land rights, and called for speedy disposal of all cases of atrocities against women with no bias or tribal consideration.
The Commission stated that free legal service must be made available to women and victims of atrocities, adding that publicity of such services must be made known to women through women organization to seek justice. It sought compensation and rehabilitations of victims of rape and atrocities including domestic violence. The Commission said that more legal awareness seminar is needed not only in the districts but block levels as well. The Commission called for gender sensitization training, open debates and workshops for all villages and tribal leaders, stakeholders, GB associations, Dobashis and women organization on issues on violence against women, women’s rights, and discriminatory customary laws and practices to bring effective changes. The Commission said that government has provided many benefits and rights for women as per the provisions of the constitution but because of ignorance and lack of knowledge they are unable to access or exercise their rights.
The NSCW requested the state and district officials to be more aware and active to the needs of women and provide necessary information and guidance to the public of the rights and benefits of women.
In the representation submitted to the Health Minister, the NSCW stated that there is need to improve the conditions of the labour rooms in all the district hospitals. It observed that all of the labour rooms except in Mon district are not fit for proper aseptic delivery.
“There is in need to provide suitable labour tables and all facilities related especially proper attached bathrooms with European commodes,” the NSCW stated. The Commission also suggested separate maternity wards in all the district hospitals along with the necessary facilities. It further stated that facilities for new born baby care centers need to be established in all the district hospitals at the earliest. The Commission felt that the department needs to take this up at earliest possible time to ensure the placement of such facilities, in order to safeguard the health of the child and mother. It also conveyed the need for establishing 150 beds Maternal & Child Health Unit at Naga Hospital Kohima.
The NSCW also visited all the districts jails, where it observed- after interaction with all jail authorities- that there is absolute need for a full time doctor with psychiatric knowledge, especially in Kohima and Dimapur district jails. It also stated the need for more women police constables in all the districts due to rising crimes against women and also because of increasing involvement of women in criminal activities.
The NSCW further observed the need for the government to implement compulsorily the “Registration of Marriage Act” in Nagaland at the earliest. It also felt that the State government must implement the provisions of the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act” in toto by appointing Protection Officers; identifying credible service providers in all district at the earliest and to ensure protection of women. It also called for amendment of customary laws with regard to inheritance, maintenance, property and land rights, and called for speedy disposal of all cases of atrocities against women with no bias or tribal consideration.
The Commission stated that free legal service must be made available to women and victims of atrocities, adding that publicity of such services must be made known to women through women organization to seek justice. It sought compensation and rehabilitations of victims of rape and atrocities including domestic violence. The Commission said that more legal awareness seminar is needed not only in the districts but block levels as well. The Commission called for gender sensitization training, open debates and workshops for all villages and tribal leaders, stakeholders, GB associations, Dobashis and women organization on issues on violence against women, women’s rights, and discriminatory customary laws and practices to bring effective changes. The Commission said that government has provided many benefits and rights for women as per the provisions of the constitution but because of ignorance and lack of knowledge they are unable to access or exercise their rights.
The NSCW requested the state and district officials to be more aware and active to the needs of women and provide necessary information and guidance to the public of the rights and benefits of women.
