A five-day ‘Mahila Jan Sunwai’ (public hearing for women) has been organized at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chumukedima since March 9 as part of a collaborative outreach initiative by the National Commission for Women in partnership with the Nagaland State Commission for Women.
The hearing focuses on addressing a range of issues affecting women, including domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, abandonment, maintenance disputes, molestation, and human trafficking.
Addressing the gathering, Kekhrienuo Meyase, member of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, said the program was not only a platform for hearing grievances but also an awareness initiative aimed at informing women about the various facilities and support mechanisms provided by the government.
She highlighted that the Mahila Jan Sunwai is a national initiative launched by the National Commission for Women, with State Women Commissions serving as collaborative partners across the country.
In Nagaland, the program is being implemented in coordination with key stakeholders, including the district administration, the District Legal Services Authority, Sakhi One Stop Centers, law enforcement agencies, and other women-centric departments.
Meyase said the initiative seeks to bring formal legal systems closer to grassroots women, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, by facilitating direct interaction with authorities responsible for safeguarding women’s rights.
Civil society organizations were also present during the hearings as observers.
While the formal program was chaired by representatives of the district administration, the actual grievance hearings under the Mahila Jan Sunwai were conducted by a member or the Chairperson of the State Women Commission.
Meyase said domestic violence remains a pressing concern in the state and stressed the need for greater awareness about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act.
She emphasized that awareness campaigns on the law must be strengthened across the state, particularly in schools and colleges, to ensure women understand their rights and the legal provisions available to protect them.
The week-long nationwide public hearing drive aims to provide women with a direct and accessible platform to voice grievances and seek institutional support.
Complaints related to domestic violence, workplace harassment, maternity benefits, abandonment, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based injustice are being heard and addressed during the hearings.
A key feature of the program is its focus on swift and time-bound grievance redressal.
Dedicated benches comprising members of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, district administration, the District Legal Services Authority, police authorities, legal experts, and protection officers were present to ensure immediate hearing of complaints, registration and escalation of serious cases, legal guidance, and procedural assistance, along with follow-up mechanisms.
Walk-in complaints are also being accepted during the hearings scheduled until March 13.
