DIMAPUR: In a significant push towards empowering the girl child and addressing systemic challenges, 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 DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima, under the global theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girl’s Rights.”
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner and chairman of the DLC for Mission Shakti, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, invoked the proverb, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” stressing that educating a girl empowers generations. Sharing a personal tribute to his late mother, Buchem recounted her journey to become a nurse, leaving behind a legacy of humility and service. He also highlighted encounters with vulnerable families during his administrative work, urging support through personal initiatives and government schemes.
Buchem further underscored the importance of the ongoing HPV vaccine drive to prevent cervical cancer, noting low public awareness and calling for urgent sensitisation. He urged all present to renew their pledge to eliminate child marriage and build a safer, equitable society.
During the technical sessions, Wapanginla Kichu, Member of the Child Welfare Committee, outlined children’s foundational rights, including education, protection, equality, healthcare and development, alongside legal safeguards against child labour, sexual harassment and child marriage.
Vimenu Richa, Centre Administrator of OSC Kohima and Master Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, stressed strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, pointing to the persistent magnitude of child marriage and child labour in India.
Advocate Sunjib Rana, Panel Lawyer for Kohima DLSA, provided insights into the POCSO Act, noting that over 70% of perpetrators are known to victims. He called on schools to facilitate early detection, sensitise students and parents, and urged NGOs not to obstruct legal procedures. He also reminded the media to protect victims’ identities.
The event, chaired by EAC Kohima Ane Khieya, commenced with a welcome address by District Programme Officer & Nodal Officer for Mission Shakti, Anyile Khamo. A special song was presented by Medopheno, Class 11 student of Government Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma, followed by a speech from Akhonuo Pfusenuo, recipient of the “Educate Her, Empower Her” BBBP scholarship, 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.
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