Nagaland kicks off 16 days of activism, launches first Gender Resource Centre

Guwahati: Social Welfare Advisor and MLA Wangpang Konyak on Tuesday launched Nagaland’s first Gender Resource Centre and marked the start of the global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

Konyak described the centre as “the beginning of a collective journey toward a violence-free society for women and girls.”

Speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, he highlighted that gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting nearly one in three women worldwide.

He expressed concern over the recent increase in crimes against women in Kohima.

Mission Shakti, One Stop Centres, and the Women Helpline (181) continue to handle numerous cases, many of which are reported anonymously due to societal stigma.

“As a Christian-majority state that values women, these incidents are a serious concern,” Konyak said. He stressed that gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue but a societal issue, calling on communities to break the silence.

Konyak also promoted the HeForShe campaign, urging men to actively participate in promoting equality and safety. “Real men do not raise their hands against women. Real men raise their voices with women,” he said, encouraging men to set positive examples for future generations.

He acknowledged the efforts of Mission Shakti staff and the support from the Ministry of Women & Child Development and the Hub for Empowerment of Women.

Congratulating NSRLM for expanding Gender Resource Centres to seven new RD blocks, including Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Changtongya, Pfutsero, Wokha, and Satakha, he said the new centre will provide a safe space for survivors and serve as a training hub for families, police, village councils, churches, and student groups.

Konyak called on men across Nagaland to join the HeForShe pledge, speak out against harassment and abuse, and assured women that the government and Social Welfare Department stand firmly with them.

He envisioned a future “where every daughter goes to school without fear, every wife sleeps in peace, and every woman walks with her head held high.”

Limawabang Jamir, Secretary for Social Welfare and Administrative Head, highlighted the key role of men in combating gender-based violence and underlined the global commitment to collective action. He noted that Mission Shakti’s One Stop Centres across all 17 districts have addressed 1,703 cases, offering shelter, legal aid, medical assistance, and counselling.

He added that the 181 Women Helpline and 1098 Child Helpline have received 3,396 calls since 2016, with most perpetrators being male, emphasising the need for greater awareness.

Jamir also introduced SheBox, an online platform for reporting workplace sexual harassment, urging citizens to make homes, workplaces, and cyberspace safer for women.

He called for unified efforts to make Nagaland free from violence against women and girls.