The Zomi Women Movement, an independent women's collective that comprises Zo Ethnic Tribes/descendents, in collaboration different students organisation, organised a solidarity sit in protest at Nute Bazar, New Bazar in Churachandpur, Manipur on Friday against the mistreatment of women in recent past.
The objective of the sit-in protest against sexual violence on women was to confront the existence of sexual assault in the society, removing the social stigma attached to being a victim of sexual assault, to stop victim-blaming, hold the perpetrators accountable, call on all leaders - culture, political, religious institutions to advocate for victims of sexual voilence and the punishment proportional to the crime and putting a halt to customary settlement for sexual violence.
During the sit-in-protest, Jessica Mowi led the preceding where president of Cordila Charitable Society for destitute Women and Children, Mary Jones spoke to the participants, mostly girl students, who made a slogan to stop sexual violence against women.
The participants are displayed placards that read "Our dignity our right", "A crime has no tribe", "If not now, when? If not us, who?", "Silence precipitate violence", and some that were written in the local dialect.
Till now, the Zo Women Movement has been basically working through online campaigns and activism to help those women and girls affected by sexual-related violence and are now working to transform the Churachandpur district a safe place for the women and girl child.
It may be mentioned that as per Churachandpur District Hospital records for the year 2024 till May, there were six sexual assault cases, which is alarming. Hence, the Zo Women Movement has expressed their hope that the law enforcement agencies of the Government could take appropriate action.
The need of the hour is to be more action centric as no one can tell that the perpetrators will shun their activities, the movement said while asking all to recognise the important role played by the women folks.
It may be recalled that under POCSO Act, touching the private parts of a child with sexual intent is sexual assault and if a person with sexual intent makes a child touch the private parts of another person, this is also sexual assault while a 'child' Under POCSO, means any person below the age of 18 years.
