KOHIMA:A state-level seminar on atrocities against women here has called for change of mindsets to do away with gender discrimination for bringing equality between men and women.
The seminar, organised jointly by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and the Department of Women Development, deliberated on discriminations and atrocities against women in Naga context in the face of increasing cases of rapes and murders in the state in recent months.
Speaking at the gathering, the state Governor Nikhil Kumar said although various national and international organisations put in a lot of effort in bringing about greater equality between men and women, it was hurting that “we keep hearing of women harassment sexually, economically, socially and physically and the actual ground situation remains the same”.
He asserted that the mindsets of people having the thought that women are of weaker sex has to be fought by the Women Commission, Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and various women hohos (tribal councils) in the Naga context.
The Governor said since the young Naga women folks proved their abilities through impressive performance in various activities outshining men, he was optimistic that they would distinguish themselves in their position to stand up and brave any kind of indecency against them.Additional chief secretary Banuo Z Jamir said the women must be aware of the various legislations that were available to them to assert their rights and protections. “We have to be empowered with knowledge so that women are enabled to take decisions and act independently,” she insisted.
She also emphasised on the importance of social networking, saying that building awareness is essential and such networks should maintain link with the law enforcing agencies. NSWC chairperson Sano Vamuzo said the commission paid serious attention to the alarming rise in crimes against women in Nagaland, adding that it should be the duty of all concerned and not only of women to check atrocities against them. (PTI)