Dimapur, March 9 : Strongly propagating the need to shed inhibitions on the issue of domestic violence in Naga society, director of NEZCC Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, today said Nagas have for too long been trying to ignore it. Hekali, who was speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day organized by the Western Sumi Women Organization in Dimapur, said there are many women suffering silently; the Naga familial structure is gradually eroding due to increased violence against women, the former Dimapur deputy commissioner said.
Speaking on the theme of “men and women united to end violence against women”, at Thahekhu Baptist Church, the speaker also commented on sexual abuse prevalent within the family. Hekali said existing political, social and legal systems are not strong enough to protect the rights of women.
In fact the system of “bail” and other forms of interim relief for criminals only send across the wrong message, she said.
Terming sexual abuse to be an abomination against humanity, Hekali viewed such crimes to be a result of social attitude towards women in the Naga society. Men need to change their attitude in order to build an egalitarian society she said and encouraged the women organization to stand firm in its fight against such society evils.
Zhimomi also suggested bringing necessary changes into the customary laws, which can inculcate the issues that concern women.
Hekali also focused on issues like maternal health and infant mortality rate and said they are significant in comparatively to violence against women in Nagaland. Women’s rights are also human rights, she said.
Shedding light on the priorities and the different needs of men and women, Hekali also commented on the crucial role of women in the decision-making process.
She urged women to extend their hand towards creating awareness at all levels of issues that affect women. This way, she urged, build a safety network to help women living under harsh conditions.
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