“16 Days Global Awareness Campaign on Ending Gender-Based Violence” Observed Alongside Human Rights Day Celebration

Hnahthial : The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) and the One Stop Centre, under the Women and Child Development Department, hosted the “16 Days Global Awareness Campaign on Ending Gender-Based Violence” in conjunction with Human Rights Day at the Hnahthial DC Conference Hall today. The event was graced by Hnahthial Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rita Lalnunmawii Pachuau, who presided as the chief guest.

The program was initiated by District Mission Coordinator Pi Lalrinpuii, who highlighted the importance of the campaign in addressing gender-based violence and promoting human rights. She emphasized that the core objective of this campaign is to empower women to claim their rights and foster equality. Pi Lalrinpuii also stressed the urgent need to address the challenges faced by women in Mizoram and across India, advocating for stronger political and social representation for women.

Key Discussions and Initiatives:

• The speakers discussed the need for increasing women’s participation in politics, urging for better representation in Village Councils and legislative bodies. They noted that Mizoram remains one of the states with the lowest female representation in political assemblies.
• The event also called for financial independence for women, emphasizing the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in empowering women, particularly homemakers.

Campaign Highlights:
The program included an overview of the activities conducted under the “16 Days Global Awareness Campaign”:

1. November 12: Campaign banners were displayed during the Inter-Departmental Sports event at HDFA Turf Ground.
2. November 14: A Gender Sensitization program was conducted in collaboration with Thiltlang YMA and OSC, with over 130 participants.
3. November 23: An awareness session on gender-based violence was held with BCM Peniel BKHP, attended by 80 individuals.
4. December 1: The OSC team conducted an awareness program at Pangzawl BKHP.

Poster Making Competition:
As part of the campaign, a poster-making competition was organized, with 65 entries received. Winners included:

• 1st Prize: Lalhmangaihtluanga (Model Veng, Hnahthial)
• 2nd Prize: Lalhrilmawia (Pangzawl)
• 3rd Prize: C. Rodingliana (Peniel Veng, Hnahthial)

Special prizes were also awarded for outstanding hand-drawn posters, and a recitation performance titled “I Dawn Ngai Em” by Gianna Ropekhlui from Pangzawl was well-received.

The event concluded with CDPO Pi LT Rose Mary Hnamte delivering a vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of all participants and stakeholders.