Colo Mero Director of Life Ministries addresses the 16 Days of Activism 2025 event held at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by The Park Chümoukedima on November 29. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | November 30
‘Men must take an active role in preventing violence and harassment against women and girls, both online and offline,’ stated Colo Mero at the 16 Days of Activism 2025 on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) event held at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by The Park Chümoukedima on November 29.
Drawing on his experience as a father of three daughters and husband to a professional woman, he emphasised that men must act as partners and allies rather than remain passive bystanders.
Silence perpetuates violence
Mero noted that men, even those considered “good” or religiously upright, often remain silent when witnessing harassment or abuse due to fear of social backlash, particularly in communities or online spaces, allowing violence to continue unchecked.
Sharing his perspective as a father and husband, he pointed out that while men often act to protect their own daughters or sisters, many remain silent when others are affected and urged men to recognise that silence and inaction contribute to ongoing GBV.
He further noted that harassment and abuse are not limited to public spaces. Women face discrimination and silencing in homes, schools, workplaces, marketplaces, religious institutions, and online platforms.
Even in Christian homes and institutions, which are expected to provide safety, girls often encounter unfair treatment, he added, calling on men to confront these realities directly rather than relying solely on statistics, and to take concrete steps to create safer environments at home, in communities, and within faith-based spaces.
Sharing personal reflections, Mero, who is also the Director of Life Ministries, highlighted freedom for his wife, involving children in decisions, and practising shared responsibility at home. He underscored the importance of faith, mentoring, and role-modelling for young boys to foster respect and equality from an early age.
Pledges and call for action
Mero urged men to adopt practical commitments to transform attitudes and behaviours, empathising with the experiences shared by many at the event.
He encouraged them to listen attentively to the women in their lives and believe their experiences of pain and discrimination, allowing reminders from daughters, sisters, or spouses to guide reflection and action.
Men were asked to examine their own jokes, habits, and attitudes, and to be willing to change behaviours that perpetuate inequality.
They were also urged to use their voices responsibly, speaking up against harassment and abuse offline and online, even when uncomfortable.
He stressed the importance of involving women in decision-making at home, at work, and in community or faith-based activities, while supporting and celebrating their achievements.
On digital responsibility, Mero highlighted the need to avoid forwarding or sharing harmful, private, or incriminating content, delete material that contributes to harassment or abuse, and take a firm stance against online bullying or shaming of women.
Supporting survivors of violence and mentoring young boys to respect women were also key messages.
He further encouraged men to challenge attitudes that treat women as inferior or as objects, walk alongside women with dignity and respect in both society and family spaces, open their eyes to the realities of violence and harassment, transform hearts and homes accordingly, share work and responsibilities including child-rearing and education, and actively ask how they can support women facing harassment.
Walking alongside women
Emphasising partnership, Mero urged men to walk side by side with women, respecting their dignity, supporting their decisions, and acknowledging their leadership.
He apologised on behalf of men for historical misuse of power and systemic silencing of women, urging men to examine their own habits, jokes, and attitudes, and to actively share power in homes, workplaces, ministries, and communities.
‘If even one woman’s life is positively changed because men decide to walk differently, then this gathering has made a difference,’ he held.
Mero further called on both men and women to transform hearts, homes, and communities, advocating justice, dignity, and partnership as guiding principles for a safer and more equitable society.
The event, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Eliminating Violence,” was organised by Prodigals' Home in collaboration with Peren Touch and Sankalp-DHEW Mission Shakti, Chümoukedima, with support from the North Eastern Council, as part of the global UNiTE campaign against violence toward women, including digital abuse.
The day-long event also featured presentations, speeches as well as sharing of testimonies and experiences from women across different walks of life and other stakeholders.
