Panel Discussion on “16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence” was organized by the District Administration Dimapur, District Level Centre for Women-MSK & Sakhi- One Stop Centre, Dimapur in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR), held on 30th November with the theme ‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect’.

Keeping in view of the ongoing Covid19 situation, the session was held with a limited number of invitees and participants. The program was chaired by Dhonthaidi Langthasa, District Coordinator, DLCW-MSK, Dimapur. Dr Toli Kiba, Professor NEISSR invoke the blessings for the program and Rev Dr C.P Anto, Principal NEISSR address the welcome note and also gave a brief highlight on the context of Women in the present society. A keynote address was given by WWO, DLCW-Msk where she spoke on the Violence against Women and the need to promote the culture of equality and for this education and awareness are the tools to be used.

The Panel discussion was moderated by Vitonuo Gugu Haralu and the Panelist was Relo T Aye, ADCP Crime Branch, Dimapur, Sungsabeni Jamio, President, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, K Ela, Director, Prodigal Home, Dimapur, Elizabeth Humtsoe, Assistant Professor, City Law College, Dimapur and Jenpu Rongmei, Founder & Chief Functionary, Can Youth, Dimapur. Different panellist from different background shared their personal experiences at the grassroots level, citing relevant issues related to women. They urged and encourage everyone to work together and support in the field focusing on the prevention of violence against women and girls. A collective effort must be put on to make our state a safer place by giving the best possible services.

Relo, ADCP, Crime Branch, Dimapur stressed on the importance of respecting women and that the practice of violence inside the family is captured by the children which resulted in producing the same cycle towards women. As stated by Ela, Women with disabilities are the worst affected section of the society facing various abuses and such cases are even not taken up by society. Sungsabeni Jamio, addresses the issues of discrimination which first begins within the family itself, where women are subjected to violence and often tend to tolerate the injustice in silence. She encouraged women and girls to be strong and bold enough to raise their voice on what is right for them. In addition, Elizabeth gave a brief insight into the importance of knowing individual rights in availing services provided by the law and the government. She also specified that Custody of Children is one of the issues faced by women, due to a lack of legal knowledge and procedures. Jenpu Rongmei stress on the need for proper advocacy, the community based policy and the compromises of violence in the name of religion.

The program was followed by an open discussion where many practical issues were discussed and follow up with relevant ways and means to prevent Violence not only among women but men also. The program ended vote of thanks by Bovili K Chishi, Caseworker, Sakhi, Dimapur.