Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Zunheboto, Dharam Raj along with others on November 26. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | November 26
Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS informed the media that the district has launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under Mission Shakti.
Speaking at a press conference in his Chamber, he said the campaign began on November 25 and will conclude on December 10. He stated that the observation will focus on 7–8 key sub-themes, including child sexual abuse, child marriage, domestic violence, human trafficking, human rights, sexual harassment at the workplace, cybercrime, and awareness on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Speaking on mechanisms available for reporting child-related crimes, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the Child Helpline number 1098, through which anyone can report cases of child abuse or child marriage. He added that victims and families can also seek assistance under the POCSO Act, 2012.
For domestic violence and other crimes against women, he said the government can be reached through the Women’s Helpline 181. He also mentioned institutional mechanisms such as Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) for addressing workplace sexual harassment, and the She-Box platform for filing online complaints.
“These are the sub-themes we will focus on, and we aim to spread awareness on each of them throughout the 16 days of activism,” he said.
Appealing for public participation, Dharam Raj emphasized the crucial role of men in addressing gender-based violence. “Men are central to awareness and education. In most cases related to crimes against women, it is women who come to the forefront, but I want men to be equally aware and involved. Earlier, our focus was primarily on educating women, and while women have become more aware, I believe men now need to participate more actively,” he said.
He urged all citizens of Nagaland, especially those in Zunheboto, to take part wholeheartedly and help make the 16 Days of Activism a success. “We must work together to end crimes against women and ensure that women receive what they deserve and participate equally in all sectors,” he added.
