Dimapur, June 9: A large-scale peaceful public awareness programme titled “Stand With HER” was held at the Town Hall in Dimapur on Tuesday, bringing together civil society organisations, government officials, women's groups, student leaders, legal experts and concerned citizens to advocate for the protection of women and children and to call for justice in cases of sexual violence.
 |
| Delegates, community leaders, civil society representatives and participants attend the ‘Stand With HER’ peaceful public awareness programme at Town Hall, Dimapur, on Tuesday.(Image: X/abumetha) |
Organised by the Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) and the Nagaland Schools Alliance, the programme came amid growing public concern over recent incidents of sexual abuse involving minors in the state.
The event was chaired by Vitono Haralu (Gugu), while Pastor Kenei Kiso of Life Square Church delivered the invocation. Opening remarks were delivered by Nagaland NGOs Forum President Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, who stressed the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding children and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
The programme featured a diverse panel of resource persons, including Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma (IPS), Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) Abu Metha, Central Naga Tribe Council President Hukheye Yepthomi, legal practitioners, child rights advocates, women's organisation leaders and student representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Abu Metha described the programme as a collective call for courage, justice and social transformation. He emphasised that fear, silence, stigma and shame should never be allowed to protect perpetrators while victims continue to suffer.
“Every child deserves to grow up in safety, dignity and hope, with the freedom to dream, aspire and achieve,” he said, while calling for greater public participation in creating a safer environment for children and women.
Metha also highlighted the importance of advancing gender equality by creating more opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making roles. He said equality should be recognised as a fundamental right based on merit, capability and character.
ALSO READ: Neiphiu Rio Inaugurates Four Projects to Promote Entrepreneurship and Food Processing
Throughout the programme, speakers discussed issues related to child protection, legal safeguards, gender-based violence, mental health support and community responsibility in preventing abuse. Participants also stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns, improved support systems for survivors and timely justice for victims.
A representation was submitted to the Government of Nagaland, urging authorities to strengthen measures aimed at ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of women and children across the state.
The peaceful public awareness programme reflected growing public concern over crimes against women and children and reaffirmed the commitment of civil society organisations and community leaders to stand in solidarity with survivors while working towards a safer, more just and compassionate society.
