Moa Sangtam, the Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency, stressed the urgency of raising awareness about women’s rights and combating gender-based discrimination and violence. Addressing participants at a workshop on gender campaigns in Dimapur, Sangtam highlighted the global momentum towards women’s leadership and urged a shift in mindset within the state to promote greater representation of women.
Representing the State Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Ashe Kiba emphasized the importance of gender equality, advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and resource access for all individuals. She shed light on the challenges faced by women with disabilities, including the compounded discrimination based on gender and disability, especially among those with hearing, speech, visual impairments, and intellectual disabilities.
K. Ela, the Director of Prodigals Home, addressed the issue of underreported cases of sexual harassment in the state due to fear of discrimination and societal stigma. She encouraged women to courageously speak out against such abuses, noting that marginalized women, particularly those with disabilities, are often the most vulnerable to exploitation, especially among drug and alcohol users.
Sangto Longchar, a lawyer from the District Legal Services Authority, elaborated on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. He outlined various forms of sexual harassment, including physical advances, demands for sexual favors, sexual remarks, and the display of pornography. He emphasized the importance of preventing and addressing such misconduct in the workplace.