Women’s rights activist and president of Naga Women Hoho, Hukheli Wotsa and Sister Mary CJ, Provincial Superior of UFSNE, hold symbolic torches on International Human Rights Day in Dimapur, on December 10. The torch is symbolic of the dream that women will one day be respected, their rights upheld and shared the table of empowerment. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur | December 10 : 61 years after the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it still eludes a larger section of the world’s population. Notwithstanding the reality that still cripples the growth of human rights and dignity, women continue to be at the receiving end of discrimination.
Even a state like Nagaland which professes so-called equality of men and women, the truth is far from the reality. Violence against women continues unabated; both inside and outside homes. “Violence against women and children is very common in Naga society,” women rights activist and president of the Naga Women Hoho Hukheli Wotsa said on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
Human Rights Day focuses on women’s rights
Wotsa addressed a gathering on the event at the Assisi Hall in Dimapur today. She said women are still discriminated in all areas of life irrespective of their status in society. She also pointed out that the progress of women is hampered by other women. “We have to work together, change our mindsets and attitudes,” Wotsa said, calling women to support each other. She stressed the need for Naga women to change the environment inside their homes in order to progress outward into an egalitarian society. She said “women have to fight for our own rights because there are very few people who will support us.” Women have to fight for equal opportunities and treatment for the coming generations, she added.
The programme, organized by the Assisi centre for integrated development, working women centre and the Nagaland domestic workers movement, showcased an array of plays depicting the violation of human rights and discrimination against women. Leonard Aier, principal of Dimapur City Law College, also said women are the most oppressed people in the world. He said although the United Nations is doing so much for the rights of women, they still continue to be discriminated especially in poor countries. “Women suffer at the hands of the society, families and the government,” Aier said. He, however, appreciated the efforts of non-government organizations working for the cause of women’s plights. “Women are moving ahead in all fields and I am glad the NGOS are there to show the way; let us work together and pave the way,” Aier said.
The International Human Rights’ Day was observed on the theme “women’s right is human rights.” The day was observed to protest all forms of violence against women and girls. “We want to create awareness and raise public opinion about the different forms of violence against women and to draw more people into the struggles for human rights,” Sister Therisi, coordinator of Assisi centre said. The day also focused on the need to educate women about their rights and privileges. This way they would know their roles and protect themselves from being exploited.
Even a state like Nagaland which professes so-called equality of men and women, the truth is far from the reality. Violence against women continues unabated; both inside and outside homes. “Violence against women and children is very common in Naga society,” women rights activist and president of the Naga Women Hoho Hukheli Wotsa said on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
Human Rights Day focuses on women’s rights
Wotsa addressed a gathering on the event at the Assisi Hall in Dimapur today. She said women are still discriminated in all areas of life irrespective of their status in society. She also pointed out that the progress of women is hampered by other women. “We have to work together, change our mindsets and attitudes,” Wotsa said, calling women to support each other. She stressed the need for Naga women to change the environment inside their homes in order to progress outward into an egalitarian society. She said “women have to fight for our own rights because there are very few people who will support us.” Women have to fight for equal opportunities and treatment for the coming generations, she added.
The programme, organized by the Assisi centre for integrated development, working women centre and the Nagaland domestic workers movement, showcased an array of plays depicting the violation of human rights and discrimination against women. Leonard Aier, principal of Dimapur City Law College, also said women are the most oppressed people in the world. He said although the United Nations is doing so much for the rights of women, they still continue to be discriminated especially in poor countries. “Women suffer at the hands of the society, families and the government,” Aier said. He, however, appreciated the efforts of non-government organizations working for the cause of women’s plights. “Women are moving ahead in all fields and I am glad the NGOS are there to show the way; let us work together and pave the way,” Aier said.
The International Human Rights’ Day was observed on the theme “women’s right is human rights.” The day was observed to protest all forms of violence against women and girls. “We want to create awareness and raise public opinion about the different forms of violence against women and to draw more people into the struggles for human rights,” Sister Therisi, coordinator of Assisi centre said. The day also focused on the need to educate women about their rights and privileges. This way they would know their roles and protect themselves from being exploited.
Morung Express News