Zunheboto, August 11 (MExN): Zunheboto Sumi Totimi Hoho conducted one-day seminar at Old Town Sector Church, Zunheboto on August 11. It was stated in a press release that the seminar was chaired by Vikali, VP, ZSTH, welcome address and introduction was delivered by Boholi, President ZSTH. The speakers, Toli H. Kiba spoke on ‘Role of women in conflict’ while Hokishe Chophy spoke on ‘Role of women against HIV.’
Role of women in conflict
Speaking on ‘Role of women in conflict,’ Toli H. Kiba stressed on the importance of empowering women. She said that women must stand for their rights “because if women do not stand for their rights then society will not change.”
She also spoke on the importance of SHGs and said that domestic violence has decreased because of SHGs, children’s education has improved and women are now even taking part in decision making bodies.
She hoped that women will take active part in the election, take part in the decision making process and that men should also accept the leadership of women. She further encouraged the STH to take a step forward and fight for women’s rights and play an active role in providing training centre in Zunheboto, shelter homes, hostel for women and also visit offices and talk to the officers on various schemes and programs meant for women.
Role of women against HIV
In the second session, Hokishe Chophy highlighted on the HIV scenario in Nagaland and spoke on the basics and origin of HIV. According to ART Centre data, Hokishe said that there are more than 15000 HIV patients in Nagaland and Zunheboto has 212 HIV patients.
He spoke on the four ways through which people get infected with HIV and the stages said that everyone is vulnerable to HIV.
The speaker stressed on the importance of Sumi Totimi Hoho in playing a vital role in not only prevention but also reduction in the percentage of HIV in Zunheboto in particular “as data says that there are more than 300 sex workers in our district.”
Hokishe said that people should also stop discriminating HIV/AIDS patients and deal with them as one would deal with a normal person. He also said that by 2020, WHO is targeting to make 90% people know about their HIV status, 90% to get ART treatment and 90% of them will have viral suppression.
After the presentation, Khegholi Shohe, President (STH-N) exhorted the gathering and acknowledged ZSTH for taking the initiative to conduct the seminar. She also highlighted upcoming programmes of STH-N. Vote of thanks was delivered by Inali V while benediction was done by Tokhuli S followed by lunch.
