Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 150/24

INAUGURATION OF THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO ELIMINATE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FIVE DAYS SELF DEFENSE

An awareness Campaign on Elimination of Gender based violence and self-defense training for girls was organized as part of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at Iungwalieh Dorbar Hall Dulong, Jowai today. Organized by District Hub Empowerment of Women, Department of Social Welfare, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai in collaboration with Jowai Police Department and West Jaintia Hills District Taekwondo Association. Shri.G.H Passah, MCS Assistant Commissioner, Jowai attended as Chief Guest.

As part of the campaign five days self-training workshops will be conducted for girls. This initiative aims to equip them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to protect themselves from gender-based violence and to overcome any challenges they encounter. Shri. C. Langstang, Secretary West Jaintia Hills District Taekwondo Association and Joint Secretary Meghalaya Taekwondo Association will be assisting with the taekwondo training.

Speaking as the chief guest Shri.G.H Passah, Assistant Commissioner addressed the challenges faced by women and girls, emphasizing that these are not just women issues but societal issues that affect everyone. He pointed out that gender-based violence is a pervasive problem that harms not only the victims but also the communities at large. The first step in addressing gender-based violence, he said, is to break the silence surrounding it. Shri. Passah stressed that we must educate ourselves and others about the signs of GVB and its harmful effects to identify victims and penetrators early.

Shri. G.H Passah also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment for survivors to speak out. He called for ensuring they have access to medical, legal and emotional support resources for their recovery. He emphasized the importance of support from all stakeholders to eliminate gender-based violence. He called for a united effort to address these challenges, acknowledging that ending gender-based violence requires collective action from individuals, communities and institutions.

Shri. FGN Rynga, District Mission Coordinator (DMC) in his introductory speech highlighted on the component of the Mission Shati Schemes such as one Stop Centre, Women Helpline 181, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vanddana Yojana and Palna. He also highlighted the 16 days campaigns starting from November 25 to December 12, 2024 on elimination of Gender Based Violence. He also informed that there will be five days of self-defense training for girls.

Shri. S.Shadap Mannar, Officer incharge Jowai Police Station, raised awareness about Cybercrime, presenting the growing issues of cybercrime and also provided valuable tips for ensuring online safety. He highlighted the importance of being cautious while sharing personal information, to use strong passwords, avoid suspicious links and to stay informed about the latest online threats.

Smt. I Kharpran, Officer incharge Women Police Station Jowai spoke on POCSO Act and discussed various kind of act considered as offenses under the Act, she explained the significance of the POCSO (protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, emphasizing its crucial role in protecting children for sexual abuse and exploitation. She elaborated on the different offenses coved under the Act, such as sexual assault, harassment, stressing the importance of immediate legal intervention and support for the victim to address such crimes. Smt. Y. Najiar, District Social Welfare Officer cum District Nodal Officer, DHEW, Jowai delivered the vote of thanks.