16-day global campaign against gender violence launched at Tengnoupal, Thoubal
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Tengnoupal/Thoubal, November 25 2025: In solidarity with the global movement to end violence against women and girls, the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign was launched today at Tengnoupal and Thoubal districts.

The campaign at Tengnoupal flagged off today under the theme "Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls".

The event was jointly organized by the Centre for Women and Girls (CWG), District: Administration Tengnoupal, Weaker Section Development Council, District Legal Service Authority Chandel, District Police Tengnoupal, and All Tribal Women Organisation (ATWO) at the ZEO Relief Camp in Tengnoupal district.

The event began with a flag-off run from the DC Office Tengnoupal to the ZEO Office, followed by a programme held at the ZEO Relief Camp.

Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Md Asghar Arzad, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tengnoupal; Khulak Tothang Dangsawa, 2nd O/C, Tengnoupal PS; and Moikham Ronglo, President, ATWO among others.

Delivering the keynote address, Hechin Haokip, Executive Director of CWG, highlighted that today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

She noted that the 16-day campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, Human Rights Day, commemorating the 1960 assassination of the Mirabal sisters - Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa - who opposed the Trujillo dictatorship.

Haokip underscored the continued suffering of women and girls worldwide, with over 120 reported cases to CWG alone in the past five years from Tengnoupal and Chandel.

She emphasized the urgent need to address violence against women and girls in conflict-affected and fragile regions, where they face heightened risks of sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking.

She highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure in the district, including courts, women's police stations, safe reporting mechanisms, shelters, and trained personnel, which perpetuates a culture of silence and impunity.

She also drew attention to the trivialization of sexual violence in tribal customary court practices and the growing concern of digital violence against women and girls.

Haokip called for renewed commitment to end violence against women and girls, strengthen humanitarian support, expand access to justice, and build survivorcentered services.

Speaking at the event, ADC Tengnoupal emphasized that the campaign is an advocacy programme for the entire community, not just women and children.

He stressed the need to educate and empower children from home to foster positive behaviour and curb violence.

The programme featured hand-print and slogan-writing activities on the theme, participated by Self-Support Groups (SSGs) and youth.

Chiefs of neighbouring villages, women Presidents of various communities, police personnel, and NGO representatives also attended the event.

Meanwhile, the "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" campaign was also launched today at the IRDSO Complex, Wangjing, aiming to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to end violence against women and girls.

The campaign is jointly organised by the Integrated Rural Development Service Organisation (IRDSO), Wangjing; and Women in Governance (WinG).

Addressing the media at a press conference held at IRDSO Office, Wanging, WinG promoter Ranabala Laishram highlighted that the 16-day campaign against gender violence which launched today will run up till December 10, coinciding with the Human Rights Day, under the theme "Unite! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls", with activities and awareness programmes to be carried out across 22 villages in Thoubal, Kakching and Imphal East districts.

She stated that gender-based violence remains a critical issue, especially in today's digital world where cybercrimes targeting women are rising sharply.

She warned that increasing online harassment, growing incidents of violence, and rising suicide rates among women demand urgent attention and collective action.

Ranabala also strongly condemned the recent police action against internally displaced women who staged a protest against holding Sangai Festival.

She described the assault on women protesters as "highly condemnable" and urged authorities to ensure such actions are not repeated.

The organisers reiterated that the 16-day campaign will focus on empowering women, promoting community participation and ensuring stronger implementation of protective measures across the State.

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