Nagaland formally launched its first Gender Resource Centre on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Social Welfare Advisor and MLA Wangpang Konyak inaugurated the centre and described it as a significant step toward building a safer society for women and girls in the state.
Speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Konyak said gender-based violence continues to remain one of the most common human rights violations worldwide, affecting nearly one in three women. He expressed concern over the rise in crimes against women in Kohima, noting that Mission Shakti, One Stop Centres, and the Women Helpline (181) handle several sensitive and anonymous cases due to social stigma.
He emphasised that Nagaland, being a Christian-majority state that values women, must treat such incidents with urgency. Konyak stressed that gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue but a societal challenge that requires everyone to speak up. Promoting the HeForShe campaign, he urged men to stand with women and set the right example: “Real men do not raise their hands against women; real men raise their voices with women.”
Konyak congratulated NSRLM for expanding Gender Resource Centres to seven additional RD blocks, including Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Changtongya, Pfutsero, Wokha, and Satakha. He said the new centre will offer safe spaces for survivors and serve as an important training hub for families, police, village councils, churches, and youth groups.
Social Welfare Secretary Limawabang Jamir highlighted the crucial role men must play in ending gender violence. He said Mission Shakti’s One Stop Centres have handled 1,703 cases, while Women Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098 together received 3,396 calls since 2016. Jamir also urged citizens to use SheBox, the online platform for reporting workplace harassment.
Both leaders called for collective action to build a Nagaland where women live, work, and walk without fear.
