NSCW stresses safe spaces for women

Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), in collaboration with the Dimapur District Administration, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Mission Shakti, Department of Social Welfare and Dimapur District Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the “Mahila Jan Sunwai” programme on March 13 at the DC Conference Hall, Dimapur. The initiative, held under the aegis of the National Commission for Women, commemorated International Women’s Day and marked the first such public hearing in the state.
Delivering the keynote address, NSCW member Akokla Longchar explained that Mahila Jan Sunwai is a platform for women to raise issues of rights violations and seek immediate redressal. She highlighted that the Commission, established under the Nagaland Women Commission Act, 2006, holds powers akin to a civil court, thereby bringing justice closer to the people.
Akokla underscored challenges faced by women in reporting cases due to social stigma, urging society to stop gossiping about victims and instead support their mental and emotional well-being. She stressed that domestic violence extends beyond physical abuse to include verbal, emotional, and economic forms, and can be addressed under the Domestic Violence Act.
She further pointed out gender gaps in customary laws, particularly in property rights for widows, and raised concerns over teenage pregnancies leading to school dropouts and early marriages.
Akokla reminded participants that sexual activity with minors under 18, regardless of consent, constitutes rape under the POCSO Act, and failure to report such offenses is punishable.
Panel Lawyer Zuchumbeni of the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority also spoke on women’s rights, elaborating on forms of violence and legal safeguards available to women, including rights during arrest. Presentations were made by Sakhi – One Stop Centre, 181 Women Helpline, and Shakti Sadan, Dimapur, followed by an interactive session.
Other highlights of the “Mahila Jan Sunwai” programme included a power point presentation by Sakhi – One Stop Centre, followed by reports from 181 Women Helpline administrator, Lanuienla Imchen, and Shakti Sadan, Dimapur Resident Superintendent, Temjenshongla. An interactive session was also held with participants after the formal proceedings. Earlier, the programme was chaired by EAC Dimapur, Imlijungla Lemtur, while the vote of thanks was delivered by DHEW Gender Specialist, Dhonthaidi Langthasa.
Following the inaugural programme, a Jan Sunwai session was conducted under the chairmanship of NSCW member Akokla Longchar, assisted by the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority. During the session, three cases were heard and settled.
The district-level hearing formed part of the state-wide outreach initiative held from March 9 to 13 under the guidance of the National Commission for Women. The programme addressed issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, cybercrime, welfare rights, and social injustice, ensuring swift redressal.
The event was attended by officials and representatives from key government departments, legal bodies, women’s organisations, DUCCF officials, and community leaders.