Naga Biker Onen Nenty to Embark on Nationwide Bike Tour to Spread Awareness about Rape

Kohima, March 1, 2020:

Onen Nenty, the Naga biker who last year embarked on a historic solo bike tour to all 11 Nagaland districts to spread the message of "women empowerment", will this time be touring to all parts of the country with another mission: to spread awareness about rape.

Talking to Inside Northeast, Onen, who on February 29 was assigned as the Tourism Ambassador of Nagaland, says that her collaboration with NGO 'Action Against Violence' will see her visiting several cities to spread awareness about rape and provide rehabilitation to rape victims.

The year long bike campaign, that will be flagged off on March 29 will see the Naga biker visit 7 UTs, 29 states, 700+ cities, and 2000 villages.

So, tell us about Rape Free India, your bike campaign. Last year, we saw you visit all the Nagaland districts. Where will your journey take you this time?

"Rape Free India is a bike campaign initiated by Action Against Violence to promote gender equality, prevent rape and sexual violence in all 29 states and 7 UTs. During the campaign we will provide rehabilitation to victims of rape, educate youth about criminal psychology and distribute rape prevention kit to prevent rape in society."

Last year, you took the message of "empowerment" to Naga women in all districts. This time, you intend to help the victims of rape? What is the gameplan?

It's very important to spread awareness about prevention of rape. Lots of girls and women are victims of this heinous crime and not able to get any support because of lack of knowledge and help. So, awareness is of utmost importance so that the girl will know about the law and can file an FIR and get justice. Many government schemes are also available such as victim compensation scheme where a rape victim gets upto 5 lakh compensation for legal and judicial trial. But, because of the lack of awareness, victims suffer financially even if they file the case.

Now, we are seeing an increase in awareness. What do you think will prompt the victims to finally speak up?

In many villages and rural areas, because of a lack of knowledge girls and women don't know what consent is and even if they are raped, they don't even know it's a heinous crime. So, awareness all over India will not only the support the victims and empower them to speak up and take direct action against violence, but also change the patriarchal attitude of the society.

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