An awareness programme on Poshan Maah was held under the theme, “Nutrition-Rich India, Educated India, Empowered India,” at Jo Foundation Inclusive School at Agri colony, here on Tuesday.
The programme was organised by Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and supported by National Commission for Women (NCW).
Sharing a brief note on NSCW, chairperson of the commission, W Nginyeih Konyak said NSCW was constituted vide Government of Nagaland on November 30, 2006 under the Nagaland Women Commission Act 2006 and was formally inaugurated by the then Governor Shankarnarayanan on March 26, 2007.
She informed that the Commission was headed by a chairperson, two women members and a member-secretary with sufficient knowledge and experience in women related issues nominated by the State government.
She added that NSCW envisions the Naga women in a safe environment leading their life with dignity, having knowledge about their rights and entitlements and pursuing their chosen occupation in life with freedom.
She highlighted NSCW’s mission, functions, powers under Section 5 of the Act and the main activities.
Konyak said NSCW was devoted towards women empowerment and since its inception the Commission had kept track of debates, developments and discourses on gender related issues at both national and international level so as to shed light at the State/local level.
And that the Commission draws the concept of women empowerment and gender equality as delineated by the United Nations and that enshrined in the Indian constitution.
Pointing out the importance of the nationwide awareness programme on Poshan maah, as per the NCW’s directives she pointed out that the program, also known as National Nutrition Month, was an annual event in India which aims at raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and promoting healthy dietary habits.
The theme for Poshan Maah 2023 “Suposhit Bharat. Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat,” which translates to “Nutrition-rich India, Educated India, and Empowered India” underscores the critical interplay between nutrition, education, and empowerment in the country’s development.
Konyak said Sashakt Bharat or Empowered India emphasises on the importance of gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment in tackling nutritional issues.
Further she said, the programme also aimed at empowering children through universal access to quality education and to promote nutrition understanding to tackle the issue of malnutrition through a lifecycle approach wherein vulnerable life stages such as pregnancy, lactation, adolescence and children under six-years of age are targeted.
Short presentations on Nutrition-Rich diet for growth was made by CDPO, Reyivolu Kezo, health & hygiene by MO, Dr Kethosino Thou and legal awareness by legal consultant, Apila Sangtam.
Earlier, the programme was led by member, NSCW, Kekhrienuo Meyase, introduction was made by the school authority, a special song was present by the students of the school and vote of thanks was proposed by member, NSCW, Akokla Longchar.