WHL, OSC staff trained to boost support services

A two-day in-person training programme for functionaries of 181-Women Helpline (WHL) Nagaland and Sakhi-One Stop Centres (OSCs) was held on August 19 and 20 at the Mission Shakti Office, Kohima. The training was jointly organized by Mission Shakti Nagaland, Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development (SPNIWCD), Regional Centre Guwahati, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
According to a press release issued by the State Hub for Empowerment of Women (SHEW), resource persons included Dr. Swapan Shaw (SPNIWCD), Dr. Chethana Kishore, Afreenbanu A. Khadirnavar, and Rugozevou Khate (NIMHANS), and Krishnendra Kumar Barooah (C-DAC).
The training aimed to enhance the capacity and service delivery of WHL and OSC functionaries in providing psychosocial support to women affected by gender-based violence, alongside technical training to improve operational efficiency.
Director, Social Welfare and Member Secretary, Mission Shakti, Tosheli Zhimomi, welcomed the participants and thanked the resource persons for their contributions. She encouraged attendees to make full use of the training to strengthen their roles.
Secretary, Social Welfare Department and Mission Director, Mission Shakti, Bodeno S. Colo, delivered the way forward, acknowledging the dedicated service of WHL and OSC teams in supporting women in distress.
Colo highlighted that since its inception in June 2016 till March 2025, WHL has responded to 3,299 effective calls, while OSCs have handled 1,529 cases of gender-based violence.
The release stated that the 181-Women Helpline operates 24×7, offering toll-free telecom services to women seeking support and information. It connects callers to emergency services via 112-ERSS and to OSCs for non-emergency assistance. WHL also provides guidance on government schemes, legal support, and other services.
Sakhi-One Stop Centres offer integrated support under one roof, including medical aid, legal assistance, temporary shelter, police intervention, and psychological counseling for women facing violence in public or private spaces.
The 181-WHL and 1098-Child Helpline are integrated under the Women & Child Development (WCD) Control Room, and linked with 112-ERSS and OSCs across 11 districts in Nagaland.
Women in need of assistance may contact the toll-free number 181, or 9485239098, or reach out to the nearest OSC.