Women were found to be less aware of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) than their male counterparts in rural areas of Nagaland, a survey has revealed.
Sisterhood Network, which conducted survey in 11 villages under Dimapur and Peren districts, interviewed 364 individuals (180 male and 184 female).
This was revealed by Sisterhood Network sponsorship coordinator, Nancy Sangtam, at an event organised to observe International Day of Rural Women at Tourist Lodge here on Tuesday. The event held on the theme “Rural women and girl’s building climate resilience” was organized by Sisterhood Network.
According to the survey, out of 184 females interviewed, 97 said they availed various schemes while 87 responded they have not availed any such schemes.
However, out of 180 males, 126 males said have availed the schemes. The survey noted with males more aware of CSS than women there was a need for creating awareness among women on the various CSS.
With regard to climate change affecting the livelihood of the rural population, 281 respondents agreed that climate change affected their livelihood.
Sakhi One Stop Centre IT staff, Tiasenla N. Jamir deliberated at length on the various schemes initiated by the central government for the betterment of the womenfolk and urged them to avail the benefits.
On violence against women, Jamir said that “Violence against women and girl child should not be tolerated by the society”.
She said human trafficking continued unabated where young girls were lured to different cities on the pretext of providing jobs and better life and finally ended up in immoral activities. “We need to be aware of such happenings and it should be stopped,” she remarked.
Speaking on how women could contribute towards preserving the nature, ICAR, NEH region, horticulture scientist, Dr. Azeze Seyie, also elaborated on the various schemes for womenfolk. She encouraged the participants to come forward and avail the benefits. Dwelling on the rural population of the state, she said “68 % of Naga rural populations depend on agriculture produce and forestry. “Villagers should shed off monetary benefits from undergoing training and enthusiasm should be created to learn more and spread the information for the benefits of all,” said Seyie.
Also, speaking at the event, Dimapur Police PRO, Relo T Aye, revealed that domestic violence cases are rarely registered. He said that in 2016 (the year of establishment of women police station) only one case was registered, three cases in 2017, two cases in 2018 and no case has been registered in 2019 so far.
As regards, PRO asserted that until and unless women come forward and lodged complaints, the administration would remain helpless. He, therefore, encouraged the victims to come forward and take the initiative of protecting themselves from any forms of domestic violence.
Asserting that Dimapur police have been trying to extend services to women at their door steps, Aye informed about the online facilities where one could lodge complaints.
Highlights of the programme included video-clips presentation, special presentation by Beisumpuikam women and call for action was by FPAR researcher sisterhood Network Arenzungla Jamir.
Earlier, at the programme, welcome address was delivered by FPAR co-researcher sisterhood network Eva Rongmei, prayer was offered by oriental theological seminary professor Alongla Aier and sisterhood network director Azungla James gave acknowledgement.