Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland also celebrated “International Women’s Day” in various districts of the state under the theme for 2020, “I am generation equality: realising women’s rights”.
WSC Dimapur: Weavers Service Centre (WSC) Dimapur celebrated the day under the theme “Generation equality” (Generating women empowerment through entrepreneurship), jointly organized by Mind Blowers Club (MBC) and WSC, sponsored by ministry of Textiles, GoI, Women Resource Development, GoN and SIDBI Dimapur on March 8.
Addressing the gathering as special guest SIDBI, Dimapur branch Albert L Gangte in his speech emphasised on the importance of having a trademark of one’s finished product. He encouraged the entrepreneurs to inculcate a brand of their own. Gangte also encouraged them to utilise their own talent, have perseverance and create own identity.
Exhorting the gathering as guest of honour NHHDC Ltd Dimapur, chairman Maithou Krose extended his greetings to all the women and saluted them for their contribution.
Krose said that women have excelled in many fields and that in Nagaland context, women were not lacking behind and going forward at a fast phase.
Elaborating on the importance of women as mothers, he said it was unimaginable for a family without a mother, and also encouraged the menfolk to ponder on the importance of women in the society.
Krose also lamented on domestic violence against women and the need to change mindset by creating a secure environment to build up an equal society.
The programme also honoured women who have contributed towards the society in different fields. Altogether 12, women were honoured.
Resource persons were, social worker Nungshirenla Aier, entrepreneur Dina Ross, director news and administration, The Morung Express Akangjungla, Yoga instructor Urmila Jigdong Mech, LIC of India, Dimapur Sarthak Mohanty, director Skill 7 Empowerment Foundation, Guwahati Akokla Imsong, sub inspector, Women Police Station Tagungsangla, centre coordinator children, Dimaput Lozua Kape, associate professor, Dimapur Government College Kezhaleu Hesso and NHDC coordinator Ekongthung Tsanglao.
Meanwhile, the celebration followed talk time “chai garam” story sharing programme organized by Mind Blowers Club (MBC). Highlights of the programme included candid talk with Runway Nagaland, proprietor Nengneithem Hengna and owner of Elina cakes and desserts K Amenla Aier.
(Staff Reporter)
LBCA Wokha: Women department of Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) organized for the first time a synchronized devotional service commemorating International Women’s Day at all the churches under Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC) with the theme, “God’s Image: An Equal Partner” on Sunday.
Sharing the day’s message, all speakers dwelt at length on the theme and reminded the congregation that it was everyone’s responsibility to promote gender equality in all aspects of life. The speakers told the congregation that the church of God should resist prejudice against women and strive for their healthy participation in the church and society, thereby helping towards creating new humanity that embraced mutual empowerment and equal participation for both genders. They further reminded that God created everyone in His image and that both men and women had been entrusted with the responsibility to take care of His creations in equal partnership.
LBCA women department secretary L. Meribeni Ngullie shared the message at WTBC mother church service which was led by WTBC women leader Ajano Kikon. DC Wokha Orenthung Lotha delivered greetings, and WTBC pastor Rev S. Thungrio Khuvung pronounced prayer of blessings upon the women.
Witter Theological College assistant professor S. Ekonthung Ezung shared the message at WTBC Saron sector church service which was led by WTBC associate women leader Esther Ngullie. Eloe Hoho president Zuchobeni Ezung delivered greetings, and WTBC assistant pastor Zurenthung Humtsoe pronounced a prayer of blessings upon the women. LBCA women department ex-secretary Lichilo Lotha shared the message at WTBC Vungoju sector church service which was led by WTBC associate women leader Emilo Tungoe. ADC Wokha K. Mhathung Tsanglao delivered greetings, and WTBC assistant pastor Yentsao Ezung pronounced a prayer of blessings upon the women.
WTC associate professor Dr. Nzanthung Ngullie shared the message at WTBC NST sector church service which was led by WTBC’s missionary to China, R. Zuchobeni Yanthan. DFO Wokha Zuthunglo Ezung delivered greetings, and WTBC assistant pastor Rev Khonbemo P. Kikon pronounced a prayer of blessings upon the women.
(Correspondent)
Miqlat Ministry: Miqlat Ministry with the community of Seluophe-Singrijan and Khopanala culminated its week-long celebration at Seluophe amphitheatre on March 7, with advisor of Serculture, Excise and Minority Affairs, Zhaleo Rio as special guest.
A press release from the ministry stated that, Zhaleo Rio spoke about gender inequality in society and that everyone should be given equal opportunity. He also encouraged both men and women to continue to strive and sow whatever resources learned and gained through the week long weaving training and workshops. While asking them to be role models for other neighbouring villages through such programme, he lauded Miqlat Ministry for the noble initiative.
Speaker of the programme, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, former principal and emeritus professor of systematic theology and philosophy, OTS, emphasised that men and women were equal partners. He also stated that women have so much potential and has even superseded men in various fields, whereby he challenged the men folk with the question “what is wrong with us men”. He then stressed that every man needed to respect women as their own sisters and daughters, and move ahead to a better future. He also emphasised that, “To not protect women is like not protecting our own daughters”.
Earlier, programme was chaired by Amenla Tziidir of Miqlat Ministry, welcome address by Asha Sanchu, short speech by Lhutsoyi Rhakho, convenor VDB Seluophe and Tezu Pradhan, GB Singrijan/Khopanala respectively. Illitoli Kumsu Shole, first runners up of Naga Idol season 1 entralled the audience with the song “She is”. An essay competition on the “status of women in our locality” was held on March 6 and the winners were acknowledged in the presence of the special guest. Leaders from the neighboring villages also attended, where the opening and closing prayer was pronounced by. Kelhouneinuo of Christ King Church, Seluophe and pastor Musilo of Chakesang Baptist Church Seluophe. Vote of thanks was said by Vezokholu. There were also cultural presentations from different communities.
Wokha: In Wokha, the deputy commissioner was special guest in the programme held at Tiyi hall, Wokha on March 8.
According to DIPR report, DC said women’s rights and gender equality was taking centre stage and becoming a part of movement in today’s world. He also stressed on gender equality and human rights of all women and girls. He further stated this was a day to reflect on the sacrifices women had made in keeping the family together. He ended with a quote from Mother Teresa “If your eyes are positive, you will love the world, but if your tongue is positive, the world will love you”.
Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, district nodal officer (NTCP) Wokha, speaking on the theme said, in today’s world both women & men, boys and girls all over the world were speaking up for thousands who are silent. Odyuo further stated women should be confident and realize their potential and ability to do great things for the society. Stating that women play an important role in building a better world, she called upon men and women to live harmoniously from violence and discrimination.
Short speeches were also delivered by Dr. Wonchano (MSK) and Renthunglo Kikon (One Stop Centre). Programme organized by Lotha Eloe Hoho (LEH) under BBBP in collaboration with district administration, DLCW and MSK. DC also launched the start of Poshan Phakwda which begins from March 8 to 22.
DUDA Kohima: Self help group (SHG)-day-NULM celebrated the day under the theme “Beti Bachao, Beti Padao” at DPDB’s conference hall, Kohima on March 7, organised by the district urban development agency (DUDA), Kohima under the aegis of state urban development agency.
According to DIPR report, ADC Kohima & DUDA chairman, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa said that a mother has a big role and responsibility to play in nurturing the future generations, so also a women in government service has to be sincere and dedicated in one’s assigned job in order to let the younger generation inculcate sincerity and dedication towards building the society. She therefore called upon the gathering to know their important role in the society and be committed towards accelerating women’s equality in building a better generation.
ADC also enlightened the gathering on the PM-SYM and NPS-traders scheme, meant for old age protection and social security welfare and further encouraged them to avail the opportunity and get themselves enrolled under the scheme. Highlighting on the PM-SYM and NPS-traders scheme, Kevilhoubei Theünuo, inspector from Labour department said that it was a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, where one has to contribute monthly as per their age from the date of joining till the age of 60 years while the central government will also give equal matching contribution in his/her pension account. And after attaining 60 years of age, the subscriber would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs. 3,000/- per month and if the subscriber dies, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension as family pension.
District manager common service centre (CSC), Nganuo Kielienyu also enlightened on the CSCs located at various places to facilitate the people. District urban officer, Kezhochole Rhetso chaired the programme.
RIPS: Rosemount International Preschool (RIPS) celebrated the day with about 20 students and faculty members by paying tribute to the 15 NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion.
A press release from MIPS stated that, present on the occasion were Yangba Konyak commandant, Joy, deputy commandant and 2 IC, Temsu, deputy commandant and adjutant, several other officers, rank and file of the unit in huge number. The officers mentioned that for the first time in 10 years of its inception and tireless dedication and service to the state and nation, their services have been formally acknowledged and honoured by any organisation or institution.
Songs were presented by the students, women-quotes from a teacher and a short speech was given by Setuo Neikha, MD and Rachel, centre manager of the preschool. Temsu, adjutant led the programme, while the commandant and 2 IC of the battalion gave a short speech. Presentation was made from the preschool to the battalion.
NYK Mokokchung: Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) in collaboration with Family Counselling Center (FCC) under Care and Support Society, Mokokchung, observed the programme on March 7. A press release from NYK Mokokchung stated that, significance of the day was shared by Alemla Imchen, programme coordinator, FCC, keynote address was delivered by Dr Imlirenla Walling. While emphasising that it was not advisable to lose one’s identity even after marriage, she urged the women, to value their identity and fight for their right. Programme was attended by women police, representatives of different organizations and the women staff of Care and Support Society, Mokokchung. Earlier, welcome note was given by ST Haokip, district youth coordinator.
KVK Longleng: ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Longleng organized the celebration on March 8 at Hupkhang village council hall, Longleng.
A press release from KVK Longleng stated that, welcome speech and key note address was delivered by Dr. K. L. Meena, senior scientist and head KVK Longleng. He elaborated about women’s participation in the community building and women’s right for their active participation. Technical officer R. Yumi also emphasised about empowerment of women in the 21st century. A. Namei SRF presented powerpoint on nutrition of kitchen gardening. Programme was chaired by Wati Longkumer programme asst. Altogether 68 women participated.
KVK Mon: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mon celebrated the occasion at KVK office, Aboi on March 8, with the programme chaired by Dr. Paihem Michui, assistant chief technical officer (animal science). A press release from KVK Mon stated that, Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan, ACTO (genetics & plant breeding), shared the methodology about setting up of nutritional garden. He also emphasized on nutritional dish highlighting the importance of healthy life. Earlier the chairperson highlighted about International Women’s Day, 2020 followed by film show. Altogether 61 women attended the programme from different organizations such as Anganwadi workers, medical departments, teachers and civil society etc. Vote of thanks was pronounced by S. Monyu Konyak, office suptd-cum-accountant.
KVK Tuensang: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tuensang in collaboration with Tuensang Police celebrated at SP, conference hall, Tuensang.
A press release from KVK Tuensang stated that, Bharat Laxman Markad, SP, Tuensang in his speech encouraged the women farmers and the entrepreneurs to take more part in decision making since they know more about the challenges and the opportunities in the field of agriculture. He also said that women make essential contributions to agriculture and rural economic activities in all developing countries and also encouraged them to go for cultivation of cash crops so as to increase their economic income.
Awards were given to the best women farmer of Tuensang, for which the recipient was Chongki Chang of Chendang village and the best women SHG was received by Flower Grower Society Tuensang. Competition on salad making and fresh flower arrangement were also held and short seminar on nutritional gardening was presented by Dr. Shisarenla Aier, SMS (horticulture), KVK-Tsg. Altogether 55 participants attended the programme along with officials from the Tuensang Police and KVK Tuensang.
Chairperson for the programme was Dr. Pritpal Kaur, SDPO, DEF-Tsg; brief remark was given by Dr. Keviletsu Khate, senior scientist and head, KVK-Tsg. The judges for the salad making and fresh flower arrangements were Neha Markad & Martina Shitiri (ACTO) and Dr. Shisarenla Aier (SMS) & Eliseni Tsopoe (SMS), respectively. Vote of thanks was given by Tokiho Achumi, ACTO.
NEISSR: NEISSR observed the occasion at the college campus underlining the need for gender justice and equality for responding to the present day socio-economic and political situation in Naga society in particular and across countries in general on March 7.
A press release from NEISSR stated that, debate competition on the motion “Men are better than women in decision making” was organized by the Gender Champions of the Institute. Tokupu Chophi, MSW trainee speaking against the motion and Imlisunep speaking in favour were declared the best debaters by the jury members and certificates were distributed. Dr. Deben Sharma, Sungjemtola Jamir and Stephen Gangmei, faculty members were jury members of the debate. Dr. Fr. CP Anto, principal NEISSR gave the vote of thanks to the organizers, debaters and participants.
KBF Jalukie: Kuki Baptist Fellowship (KBF) Jalukie, also celebrated the occasion, with the fellowship chaplain Ahao Sitlhou, who thanked all concerned for successful celebration.