“International Girl Child Day” on the theme, “My voice, our equal future” was observed across Nagaland along with the rest of the world on October 11.
Longleng: In Longleng district, a weeklong programme was held from October 7 to 11, organised by district administration, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) and Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Longleng.
According to DIPR report, on October 11, the closing programme was held at DC conference hall, wherein DC Longleng, M. Shayung Phom encouraged the gathering to give importance on quality education to both male and female child without any discrimination. He cited his own family example where female child were included in taking major decision.
SDO (C) Longleng, Trongdiba Tongpi T.Sangtam inspired the gathering by announcing a commitment to sponsor a girl child’s education (school & tuition fees), and also encouraged them to always respect women and girls. EAC HQ Longleng, Ruokuosetuo Tetsoe spoke on the importance and significance of the day.
Female artiste “Soul Sisters” performed a song, “Spread your wings”. In Super Girl costume competition, Shamthung Phom of PPC ward bagged the first position, while Yingli Phom of Shuli ward bagged the second position and Mungli Phom of Nyenching in the third place. Winners were awarded with certificates and cash prize and consolation prizes were also given to all the participants. Awards were given away by CMO Dr. Obangjungla and Sr. SP Yanithung, Longleng in the programme chaired by WWO, MSK Longleng, Phungla Phom.
To promote the BBBP scheme widely, 10 (ten) girls each from every ward of Longleng town have been selected as BBBP volunteers and will assist in all the activities under BBBP scheme in the district. Social work was also initiated by the newly formed BBBP volunteers led by the ward youth president on October 10 in all the wards.
Wokha: A felicitation programme for girl child and women achievers and Wokha district local champion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was initiated by Wokha district administration and District Level Centre for Women – Mahila Shakti Kendra (DCLW-MSK) under BBBP on October 11.
According to DIPR report, chief guest ADC Wokha, Mhathung K. Tsanglao, speaking on the occasion said that gender quality must start from home as there was no such thing as male or female work. He emphasised that parents must inculcate this concept right from the beginning in order to stop the chain of gender stereotyping. He further said that educating girl child was a must and encouraged everyone present to be the channel of change and spread the message of importance of girl education. He also encouraged the girls to stand and speak for their own rights and touched on the issue of family planning. Further, he encouraged the individuals responsible for the implementation of BBBP scheme in utilising the adolescent girls club created under the scheme.
Advisor of Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan said that the theme itself spoke volumes of the desire and aspiration of more than 1.1 billion young girls across the globe under the age of 18 years in asserting their rights as change makers. He further emphasised on the need to educate the girl child in environmental conservation and take up measures in mitigating and adapting to climate change. He also appreciated the work done by the district administration, Wokha and DLCW-MSK in coming up with many innovative ideas in implementing BBBP scheme.
Chairperson, Arhonbeni Ezung, EAC (P), lead the audience in saying the pledge of saving, supporting and educating the girl child. Lobeno Tungoe, 2nd runners up of song composition and singing competition organised under BBBP enthralled the audience with her original song “Strength of a Woman.” Hachoben and Chumreno, winners of online dance competition presented dance “Savage love.” Many groups of achievers were felicitated, namely, under the literary groups, 16 winners of online essay completion under different categories and off line essay competition on the event of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary were felicitated. Under recreational category 17 winners of dance competition and basket weaving competition were felicitated. Under education category top ten girls of both HSLC and HSSLC 2019-2020 examination, Two Subject topper of HSLC and HSSLC 2019-2020 examination and three schools which achieved cent per cent result during the HSLC and HSSLC 2019- 2020 examination were felicitated. Susana H. Humtsoe, local champion of BBBP was also felicitated. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised on the importance of gender equality and how the society must work together as one to achieve the dream of equal world. Vote of thanks was delivered by Vitolu Chishi, EAC (P). Sanitary pads were also distributed to all the participants to emphasise on the importance of menstrual hygiene.
Phek: In Phek, the programme was organised by district administration & DLCW-MSK (BBBP) Phek on October 11, where BBBP magazine and music video “Oh Hi Hey” Nagas United for Women Empowerment was released by DC Phek, Sachin Jaiswal.
A press release by DLCW-MSK Phek stated that, celebrating the achievements of Jessica Snock in various events, the DTF, BBBP declared her as “Phek district icon” BBBP.
Snock hails from Reguri village under Meluri sub-division and presently appointed as the deputy advisor of the US president advisory board of Asia BBBP.
Baby gift hampers were given to the new born baby girls in celebration of girl child birth at District Hospital Phek. Baby gift hampers will be distributed in all the PHCs and CHCs under Phek district.
Earlier, on October 10, the district administration & DLCW- Mahila Shakti Kendra (BBBP) Phek conducted an awareness campaign on menstrual health & hygiene under BBBP in 6 villages under Phek district.
ARC Ahthibung: On the occasion of the girl child day, Ahthibung Region Club (ARC) took the initiative of “sharing is best caring” by assisting an underprivileged student with her fees, books and uniform for the current academic year. A press release by ARC general secretary, Ziansin stated that, the student who was in class XI has been benefitted with this timely help to continue her studies.