Participants of the Legal Awareness Programme on the theme “Legal Awareness for Social Justice and Community Empowerment” organised by the Community Development Forum, NEISSR at BAM Hall, Chümoukedima, on August 23.
Chümoukedima, August 25 (MExN): The Community Development Forum of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) organised a Legal Awareness Programme on the theme “Legal Awareness for Social Justice and Community Empowerment” at BAM Hall, Chümoukedima on Saturday.
The programme was moderated by MSW trainee Kelhoulenou Kire and began with an invocation prayer by Sister Jusila, followed by a welcome address from Esther M Konyak, also an MSW trainee.
Delivering the keynote address, Advocate L. Pukho Khiamniungan of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, engaged the students on their understanding of legal awareness and centred his talk on women’s rights, children’s rights and consumer rights.
He noted that nearly 70% of rights are framed for women, who are often considered the most disadvantaged section of society. Stressing the need to uplift women facing domestic violence in physical, emotional or mental forms, he said it was the duty of students to advocate for these rights.
He also highlighted the Women’s Helpline Number 181 and explained key legal provisions, including the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act, the principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work, the Right to Abortion, and provisions for maternity leave.
On children’s rights, Khiamniungan spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and informed the participants about the Childline number 1098. On consumer rights, he emphasised the right to safety, choice, and information, and shared helpline numbers 1800-11-400 and 1915.
The address was followed by an interactive session with students. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from MSW trainee Kili Awomi.
