Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) held a consultative meeting of stakeholders on “Gender Campaign 2” on January 25 at Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima. According to a DIPR report, the aim of the national campaign against gender-based violence in India was to address and combat the pervasive issue of violence against women in the country.
The campaign seeks to create awareness and mobilize public opinion to bring about a change in societal attitudes towards gender-based violence. During the meeting, the keynote address was delivered by commissioner and secretary, Kevisa Kense which was followed by a presentation on “gender campaign” and partnership by State Program Manager- SISD, NSRLM, Khriezovonu Lhoungu.
The official bulletin stated that the government at both the central and state levels have a significant role in formulating and implementing policies and programs related to gender equality and combating gender-based violence.
It said state departments such as the social welfare department, justice and law, health and family welfare department, home department, planning and coordination, state commission for persons with disabilities, tribal affairs department were provided with roles for enacting and enforcing laws, allocating resources, and providing essential services such as helplines, shelters, and counselling centres for survivors.
It said civil society organizations, such as Naga Mothers Association and Eastern Naga Women Association have contributed significantly to the gender campaign in India.
Further, the school education department as one of the stakeholders has been directed to conduct workshops with focus on girl child and SMCs for girl child related issues -admission drives for drop-outs, to create awareness drive on POCSO etc.