Nongstoin June 2: With the soaring rate of crimes against women and minors in the state, and recognising the urgent need to sensitise and create awareness about the issues concerning women and minors, the Department of Social Work, Martin Luther Christian University today June 2, 2017, performed a series of street plays in the Market area of Mawpun, Tiehjyrsieh, New Nongstoin, Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills.
The inaugural programme was attended by the Block Development Officer, Nongstoin C & RD Block, Mr. V Swer, the Sordar of Mawpun, Tiehjyrsieh, New Nongstoin, Mr. S Rashi, the Child Development and Protection Officer, Mr R Nongkhlieng and other representatives from government offices in Nongstoin, and the faculty of the Department of Social Work, MLCU.
Speaking at the event, the BDO, Mr. Swer commended the initiative by the University to tackle such a sensitive issue and also to create awareness for empowerment of women and children. He further added that the region has seen too many instances of violent crimes against women and children in these past few years, an D these crimes are on the rise as we speak., and that such awareness programmes are a great tool to sensitise and educate the public about empowerment of women and also the different laws that can provide protection to women and children.
The Sordar, Mr. S Rashi also emphasised on the need to re-evaluate the treatment of women by society and also to give the women the freedom and protection to live their lives peacefully and in a secure manner.
During the street play, the students also showcased the kind of help and support that women and minors can avail to. They also performed a series of short plays to show the difference between ‘Good Touch’ and ‘Bad Touch’, which showed the public the two ways of touching or fondling a woman or child that can deemed appropriate or abusive.
Speaking to one of the faculty of the Department, Mr. W Kharbuli, he said that for any change to come in a society, the society as a whole has to change their mindset towards treatment of women. He added that the Department and the University as a whole are doing their best to create awareness and to sensitise people in the region about these crimes and fight against them.
The street plays were performed by the students of MSW 2nd semester, Social Work Department.
