TENGNOUPAL, Nov 25: The 16  Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence was flagged off on tuesday under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” The event was jointly organized by the Centre for Women and Girls (CWG), District Administration Tengnoupal, Weaker Section Development Council, District Legal Service Authority Chandel, District Police Tengnoupal, and All Tribal Women Organisation (ATWO) at the ZEO Relief Camp in Tengnoupal district.

The event began with a flag‑off run from the DC Office Tengnoupal to the ZEO Office, followed by a programme held at the ZEO Relief Camp. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Md. Asghar Arzad, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tengnoupal; Khulak Tothang Dangsawa, 2nd O/C, Tengnoupal PS; and Moikham Ronglo, President, ATWO among others.

Delivering the keynote address, Hechin Haokip, Executive Director of CWG, highlighted that today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. She noted that the 16‑day campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December, Human Rights Day, commemorating the 1960 assassination of the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa—who opposed the Trujillo dictatorship. Haokip underscored the continued suffering of women and girls worldwide, with over 120 reported cases to CWG alone in the past five years from TPL and CDL. She emphasized the urgent need to address violence against women and girls in conflict-affected and fragile regions, where they face heightened risks of sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking.

She highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure in the district, including courts, women’s police stations, safe reporting mechanisms, shelters, and trained personnel, which perpetuates a culture of silence and impunity. She also drew attention to the trivialization of sexual violence in tribal customary court practices and the growing concern of digital violence against women and girls. Haokip called for renewed commitment to end violence against women and girls, strengthen humanitarian support, expand access to justice, and build survivor-centered services. She emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in peacebuilding, governance, and digital safety, and urged the community to unite in defense of women’s rights and dignity.

Speaking at the event, ADC Tengnoupal emphasized that the campaign is an advocacy programme for the entire community, not just women and children. He stressed the need to educate and empower children from home to foster positive behaviour and curb violence. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring the impact of modern technology and AI on the younger generation to prevent digital violence.

The programme featured hand‑print and slogan‑writing activities on the theme, participated by Self‑Support Groups (SSGs) and youth. Chiefs of neighbouring villages, women presidents of various communities, police personnel, and NGO representatives also attended.

(By Our Correspondent)