Kohima: The Kohima District Administration, in collaboration with SANKALP–District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) and the Social Welfare Department, observed the International Day of the Girl Child at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Kohima.
Organised under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” the programme aimed to promote the empowerment of girls, amplify their voices and address discrimination and human rights challenges affecting them.
Delivering the keynote address, Kohima Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Level Committee (DLC) for Mission Shakti, B. Henok Buchem, emphasised the importance of educating girls, stating that empowering a girl benefits not only the individual but also future generations.
Recalling the life of his late mother, who pursued her studies to become a nurse and serve the community, Buchem highlighted the values of humility, service and sacrifice. He also shared experiences from his administrative work involving vulnerable families, including a child who lost both parents during the pandemic and a struggling single-parent household.
He urged participants to support such families through individual initiatives and available government welfare schemes.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the ongoing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive to prevent cervical cancer, calling for greater public awareness and widespread sensitisation. He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to ending child marriage and building a safer and more equitable society.
During the technical sessions, Wapanginla Kichu, Member of the Child Welfare Committee, outlined children’s fundamental rights, including the rights to education, protection, equality, expression, healthcare and development. She also highlighted legal safeguards against child labour, sexual abuse and child marriage.
Vimenu Richa, Centre Administrator of OSC Kohima and Master Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, spoke on the enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. She highlighted the continuing prevalence of child marriage and child labour in India and called on stakeholders to recognise the extent of these issues beyond officially reported cases.
Advocate Sunjib Rana, a panel lawyer for the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He stated that more than 70% of perpetrators in cases under the Act are known to the victims, including family members, relatives, neighbours, friends and acquaintances.
Rana urged educational institutions to facilitate early detection and encourage open dialogue on child protection. He also stressed the need to sensitise children and parents, while appealing to NGOs and community organisations not to obstruct legal procedures in such cases.
He further reminded the media of its legal obligation to protect the identities of victims.
The programme was chaired by EAC Kohima Ane Khieya, while Anyile Khamo, District Programme Officer and District Nodal Officer for Mission Shakti, delivered the welcome address.
The event featured a special song by Medopheno, a Class 11 student of Government Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma. Akhonuo Pfusenuo, a recipient of the “Educate Her, Empower Her” scholarship under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, delivered a speech titled “End Child Marriage: Let Girls Dream, Learn and Lead”.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kesoneinuo, Gender Specialist at DHEW Kohima.