Various districts across the state observed the “International Day of the Girl Child” on October 11. The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. This year’s theme, “digital generation, our generation” calls for equal access to the internet and digital devices for girls and targeted investments to facilitate opportunities for girls to safely and meaningfully access, use, lead and design technology.
Kohima: Sakhi-One Stop Center (OSC) Kohima in collaboration with Bright Morning Star Children Home (BMSCH) Kohima celebrated International Day of Girl Child at BMSCH Kohima.
In a press release, BMSCH Kohima informed that during the programme, case worker at Sakhi- OSC, Repabenla Longkumer gave a brief introduction on Sakhi-OSC and encouraged the boys to support girls and practice equality. The programme was chaired by probation officer (PO) of BMSCH, Watisenla. Highlights of the programme included participation of children at the talent show and entertainment.
Earlier during the talent show competition, Dolensangla (singing) emerged as the winner, first-runner up went to Maria Ashu (dance) and Nyiemangmongsen Chang (preaching) as second runner-up.
Longleng: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), district administration and Mahila Shakti Kendra – District Level Centre for Women (MSK-DLCW), Longleng organised the International Day of Girl Child in the convention hall of Phom Lempong.
In his speech, deputy commissioner (DC) Longleng, M. Shayung Phom said that it was a special day to stop discrimination to girl child and to uplift gender equality in the family and community.
DC appealed to the gathering to realise the importance of observing the day by honouring every girl child from the family to the community.
Highlighting the importance of women in a modern society, he urged the male counterparts to realise and acknowledge the contribution of women by honouring and supporting them with love and care.
He also assured to extend all possible help for upliftment of girl child in the district.
Meanwhile, EAC Longleng, Chingmei spoke on the theme while superintendent, observation home Longleng, Kezevinuo Thepa spoke on rights and responsibilities of girl child.
Highlights of the celebration included special song on BBBP by Government High School, Nyenching, drama on discrimination of girl child in the family and community by St. Joseph School and gender inequality by Christian High School.
Phom Lempong School presented a folk fusion music, cultural dance by Bautung Government Higher Secondary School, poetry slam by Vision Vale School and Shamakok Mission School respectively and spot painting competition by girl students later.
The programme began with choreography by Good Shepherd School followed by invocation by Fr. Daily’s assistant priest, St. Joseph Church, Longleng.
Earlier, women welfare officer, MSK-DLCW, P. Phumla Phom chaired the programme.
Mon: Commemorating the International Day of Girl Child, a programme was held at district hospital, Mon on the theme, “rise up for a better world”. The programme was organised by District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Mon under the department of social welfare in collaboration with Childline and Child Welfare Committee, Mon.
DCPO, Mon and staff handed over tokens to all the patients from 0-18 years of age while wishing them a speedy recovery.
AR Shamator Battalion: Shamator Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) observed International Day of the Girl Child at St Xavier’s School, Shamator Town, Tuensang.
According to PRO IGAR (N), a campaign was conducted with an aim to promote girls’ empowerment and gender equality.
Various activities were carried out on awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide, inequality including access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care and protection from discrimination, violence against women and child marriage.
The programme also reflected the successful emergence of the girls and young women and awareness on inspirational women including in the field of business, armed forces and sports.
Career opportunities for girls in armed forces, police, para military forces, nursing etc., were also discussed.
The event culminated sports and entertainment activities performed by school children and a massive signature campaign with messages for the girl child.