The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) today began its 16-day activism against gender-based violence with a roadshow in line with the observation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Led by MSCW chairperson Iamonlang Syiem the aim is to raise awareness, mobilise action and advocate for policies to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Syiem said that violence is everywhere. It’s a reality and it can be verbal, physical or sexual abuse. This goes not just for women but children, as well as young men and adults.
“This is not your fight alone and we ask all the women, who are bruised, broken and battered, that there are people today who are willing to help you. So please come out and don’t just remain silent. We have seen how silence can create a cycle of abuse and if it persists you might even lose your life or your limb or something else. Keeping quiet is a very dangerous place to be in,” Syiem urged.
The roadshow began from Nongthymmai and culminated at Don Bosco Square where pamphlets to raise public awareness about violence against women were distributed.
In the coming days several events will be held that will culminate on December 10.
It may be mentioned that recently, Meghalaya reported one of the most gruesome domestic violence cases where a husband set his wife on fire, which sent shockwaves among citizens across the state.
The chairperson is hopeful that this campaign will educate the public about their right to have a voice and to be sensitive to observe wherever violence exists and appears.
“…the response might be very subtle but then for every woman, child, and man if you see any kind of suspicion of violence or violence taking place in any form to come out and not hide. Raise your voice and go to the people who can help,” she appealed.
She informed that 181 helpline has been set up as well as the one stop centre to cater to aid women in distress. The commission, police and traditional heads are most willing to help, she added.
The commission is hopeful that the campaign will reach every corner of the state through social media. “We will do our best that this campaign doesn’t stop within 16 days but will be an ongoing kind of activism or kind of movement,” Syiem said.
Currently, the MSCW is working on the data on the number of violence against women, even as she said there are many cases that are unreported. “We want to be reliable and specific when we say something. At this moment we would leave it for a future time to bring up with the specifics,” added the chairperson.
Meanwhile, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was observed today at Ramkheng village under Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block in East Khasi Hills district.
The programme was organised by the District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority.
The programme was attended by villagers from Laitmawroh and Ramkheng villages.
During the programme, P. Riahtam, Legal Aid Counsel spoke on the topic, “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and order for maintenance of wives, children and parents under Section 144 BNSS”
Sub Inspector of Sohra Police Station, A. Khongsit spoke on “Cyber Violence against women and girls”.
The programme was followed by an interactive session.
