State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) Nagaland, Mahila Shakti Kendra and the 181 Women Helpline Nagaland initiated a digital campaign to mark the “World Day against Trafficking in Persons” (WDTP) to highlight the issue of human trafficking in the state on July 29.
A press release by SRCW Nagaland stated that, commissioner & secretary of Social Welfare, and the administrator of Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, Sarah R. Ritse while launching the digital campaign drew attention to the current economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has adversely affected the livelihood of many. She pointed out that in such a situation, those struggling economically became more vulnerable when prospects in the pretext of free/quality education and livelihood opportunities were presented to them. She therefore called upon all to be aware of the current realities in the state and also to be alert in order to prevent such unwanted situations. She further informed that if anyone notice any suspicious situation, they can call the Women Helpline Nagaland at 181 or 9485239098, or contact the Sakhi-One Stop Centres (OSC) which are set up in the 11 districts of the state.
A short video on human trafficking in Nagaland “Break the Chain-Stop Human Trafficking”, brought out by the SRCW was released. Several information education and communication (IEC) materials on legal protection against human trafficking and general awareness on the issue have been launched. All these will be disseminated widely through social and print media to sensitize the public on the seriousness of the issue. The video and IEC materials are available on the official pages of the SRCW Nagaland and 181 Women Helpline Nagaland on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel.
As part of this commemoration, the district administrations and the District Level Centres for Women (DLCWs) and OSCs are carrying out various activities in the 11 districts and reaching out to the masses, creating awareness through their involvement and participation in various activities, such as art/poster contest, photo caption competition, etc.