Kohima: Wokha district officials gathered at Tiyi Hall on October 10 to combat child marriage. The event marked the International Day of the Girl Child 2026 under the theme End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls Rights. Organizers included the District Administration, Social Welfare Department, District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Sakhi-One Stop Centre, and the District Child Protection Unit under Mission Vatsalya.
Students from 12 schools competed in a quiz and poetry contest. Perennial School took first place, followed by Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School. Mission Shakti official Bonathung Ngullie urged students to prioritize education. He pointed to NFHS-5 data showing high school dropout rates for girls aged 15 to 17 in rural areas.
Sakhi-OSC administrator Thungbeni Kikon reminded the crowd that Indian law sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for women and 21 for men. She called child marriage a human rights violation. District Child Protection Officer Moasenla reinforced this point during her address. She told the students, Your voice matters, your dreams matter, and you matter.
Extra Assistant Commissioner Thepfuzakie Sanchu pledged to make Wokha a child-marriage-free district. He noted that early marriage cuts off health, safety, and career paths for girls. The event highlighted Child Helpline 1098 as a key resource for those facing pressure to marry or seeking protection. The program featured performances by Mhachoni P. Kikon and Chonbeni R. Ezung. Merithung Lotha chaired the event, while Wonchano E. Enny gave the closing thanks.
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