During a workshop held on October 31 at the SIRD Auditorium in Kohima, W. Nginyeih Konyak, Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), addressed concerns regarding the prevalent “culture of silence” surrounding women’s safety in Naga society, driven by deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes. She emphasized that the close-knit social structure in Nagaland often conditions women to suffer in silence, avoiding the reporting of abuse or harassment.
The workshop focused on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, bringing together members of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and Local Committees (LCs) from various departments. Konyak pointed out that many women in workplaces face unequal power dynamics, often forced to choose between reporting harassment and retaining their positions. She described the POSH Act as a significant advancement in providing a framework for a safe workplace, offering crucial safeguards for victims. Moreover, she noted that it aids in alleviating pressure on the judiciary by ensuring swift redressal for women, fostering their confidence in the justice system.
Despite the positive elements of the Act, Konyak expressed alarm over a Supreme Court survey indicating that many state government departments have either failed to form ICCs or have done so without the required composition, such as lacking necessary external members. She called upon Heads of Departments and the private sector to strictly follow the Supreme Court’s directives, stating that a poorly implemented law would fail to provide women with equal status as outlined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. She urged a collective sense of responsibility, insisting that intimidation, harassment, and violence cannot coexist in a democracy, and it is vital to transform the culture of silence surrounding these issues.
T.N. Mannen, MLA and Advisor for Law and Justice, reinforced that the POSH Act is not merely a legal requirement but also a moral obligation for employers to maintain dignity and respect at work. He highlighted that employees need to be aware of the Act’s provisions to foster a respectful workplace environment. Mannen pointed out significant obstacles like underreporting due to fear of social stigma and retaliation, as well as a lack of awareness about the Act. He emphasized the necessity for organizations to comply with the Act and effective functioning of ICCs, acknowledging that entrenched patriarchal attitudes can hinder progress.
To promote awareness, Mannen urged women to bravely seek redress under the POSH Act, stressing that sexual harassment persists even in supposedly civilized societies. Limawabang Amir, Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, underscored the imperative of treating the POSH Act as a steadfast commitment to dignity and justice rather than just a legal formality. He reminded attendees that the ICCs are vital for addressing sexual harassment and emphasized the necessity of a cultural shift alongside legal compliance.
Jamir also noted that establishing a culture of zero tolerance requires replacing silence with awareness and accountability. He emphasized that while laws create a framework, a genuine commitment to mutual respect and gender sensitivity is essential for safety in the workplace. He called for ongoing efforts to raise awareness and institutional commitment, asserting that effective and compassionate responses from organizations can foster trust and ensure justice.
The workshop concluded with a technical session featuring resource persons such as Adv. Vikram Srivastava and Adv. Apila Sangtam. Following the discussions, NSCW members highlighted their solidarity for a young girl who was recently murdered in Kohima, urging leaders and law enforcement to expedite the investigation to ensure swift justice. They observed a moment of silence for the late Vihozhonu Zao.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/culture-of-silence-still-haunts-naga-women
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-10-31 23:34:00
