Nagaland joined the world in celebrating the International Women’s Day under United Nations (UN) 2024 theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, Friday. The 2024 theme aims to address the world crises and challenges by empowering women. UN said investing in women would spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all. In Nagaland, various programmes and activities were organised to raise awareness about several issues confronted by women such as gender equality, violence and abuse against women.
Yanthan launches ‘ImpactHER’
Sanis Town: Coinciding with the International Women’s Day, advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan launched the ImpactHER, a mission to empower women across all strata of society, at Sanis under Wokha district on Saturday.
The event was attended by more than 500 rural women from 21 villages under 39 Sanis Assembly Constituency.
‘ImpactHer’, was founded by Zanbeni Yanthan, wife of Mhathung Yanthan, to envision a world where every woman, irrespective of her background, has been empowered to be a change agent in her community. The programme was attended by Zuring Madeliang, ADC Sanis and Khiuzan Kaurinta EAC Sungro. Co-founders of ImpactHer are Thungdeno Mozhui, Rtd. Project Director, Rural Development; Chibeni Patton, Rtd. Addl. Director, School Education; Yanbeni
Humtsoe, Rtd. CDPO Social Welfare Department; Zujano Patton, Secretary, Central Nagaland Women Association; Ringo Odyuo and Mary Khuvung also attended the event.
At the event, Yanthan and Dr. Apeni Lotha, Rtd. Director, Higher Education, encouraged and educated the women to know their rights and celebrate their everyday achievements.
The day was filled with laughter and joy, with team building games, special song and skit presentation by women.
Immanuel College Dimapur
Immanuel College: The “International Women’s Day” was celebrated by Immanuel College Dimapur at the College Auditorium with chairperson, Child Welfare Committee Dimapur District, Moamenla Yaden as the special guest.
In her address, Moamenla encapsulated the essence of the IWD 2024 theme by advocating for the empowerment and advancement of women in society. Sharing personal anecdotes, she underscored the importance of supportive parenting in nurturing independence and ambition in children. Drawing from her own experiences, Moamenla challenged societal norms that confine women to traditional gender roles, particularly in domestic settings.
Addressing the prevalent issue of gender-based violence, Moamenla said many women were reluctant to report instances of abuse due to societal stigma. She then urged women to stand up for their rights and refuse to accept abuse in any form. Emphasising the need for solidarity and collective action to effect meaningful change, Moamenla also called upon men to be allies in the fight for gender equality, stressing the importance of their support in empowering women to succeed. She challenged men to rethink their roles in society and actively contribute to creating an environment where women can thrive. Earlier, the college principal, Th. Sharatchandra Singh extended greetings on behalf of the management. (Staff Reporter)
WENN: Commemorating “International Women’s Day (IWD)”, Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN), in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a programme at E-Space, Dimapur.
A penal discussion on the IWD 2024 theme with NABARD chief general manager, Tiakala Ao, Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) managing director, Phutoli Chingmak and Dr. T Limanochet Jamir from City Law College, as panellists, highlighted issues of development, gender equality, microfinance, and legal aspects concerning women’s rights in Nagaland. The importance of financial literacy and empowering women economically, legally, and socially was deliberated.
The panellists also shared their personal experiences and underscored the importance of addressing biases among women and societal perceptions of women’s roles and abilities in the workforce. The need to address systemic inequalities in Nagaland was also highlighted. (Staff Reporter)
DNWO: With the aim of bringing together the women’s community of Diphupar Village, Diphupar Naga Women Organization (DNWO) celebrated the “International Women’s Day” at Diphupar Village Council (DVC) Hall under the theme, “Inspire inclusion”.
Speaker of the event, Sumi Baptist Church Diphupar (SBCD) Pastor Hukali Aye, highlighted the prevailing issue of gender inequality in society in various areas and fields despite modernization. She emphasised the need for women to unify and advocate for their rights while adding that women should not be disheartened but come together to address issues confronting them.
Stating that each individual has roles to play in promoting equality and inclusivity, Aye said respect for women, supporting women and girl leadership, access to quality education etc., should begin from homes.
Other highlights of the event included mass prayer for the destitute and worship dance by Vineisi Angami. (Staff Reporter)
Watsu Mungdang: Watsu Mungdang in collaboration with Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) Mokokchung, District Services Authority (DSA) and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW-Mission Shakti), celebrated “International Women’s Day” at the Town Hall.
Delivering a key address, Associate Pastor Women, Kumlong Baptist Church, Rachel Jamir, stated that the birth of a girl should be celebrated and that parents should take pride. She said that every human was made perfect in the image of God.
She said women were contributing in varied fields of economic, political, social, educational, religion etc., for the upliftment of humanity.
The significance of the day was said by District Mission Co-ordinator, DHEW, Moamenla Longkumer, while short speeches were delivered by assistant district program manager, NSRLM, Mokokchung, Moatoshi, UBI Officer Incharge, Women Police Station, Imlichila, IMDH Nursing Superintendent, Tsukjemangla and member Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority, Watitemjen. (Correspondent)
KWS: Recognizing the importance of preserving the native language in the village, the Kezoma Women Society (KWS) celebrated the International Women’s Day at the Village Panchayat Hall under the theme, “Uramia Die, Kezoma die” (Kezoma mother language).
The key events included language proficiency contests and a folk song competition involving married women from other communities residing in the village. Throughout the day, participants emphasised the significance of exclusively using their mother tongue at home, discouraging communication in other languages that may have distinct domains for conversation.
Women elder, Nodüle Yongo, addressing the assembly during the event, highlighted the pivotal role women play in the community, emphasizing their unparallel busy life. She likened women, especially mothers, to the illuminating force within homes, asserting that without them, there would be no light or vitality.
Reflecting on the global celebration of Women’s Day, she described it as an occasion for women to embrace self-love, dignity, and respect. Urging women to celebrate the day with profound reverence, she emphasized their irreplaceable role in completing the social fabric. Yongo encouraged women to embody their inherent qualities, serving as both the light of their homes and society and called them to embrace courage and righteousness. The event, presided over by Nozenü Tase, featured a special song presentation by Vikuyole Tase. (Correspondent)
Kohima: Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship celebrated International Women’s Day at Multipurpose Hall with secretary, L&E, SD&E, Rajesh Soundarajan as the special guest.
In his speech, Soundarajan highlighted the need for more women representation in the workforce citing disparities globally.
He pointed out that the India’s goal to have 33% reservation for women was not just to achieve the target in numbers alone but also help encourage more women to come forward. Soundarajan said these policies were designed to translate into more employment for women which would in turn benefit the society.
Soundarajan said the reason behind the disparity in the workforce was largely because of lack of opportunity and accessibility to opportunities.
He said the initiative of the department in launching the Mobile Skill Morung Van was one step towards empowering women especially in the village areas. He added that women will be directly benefitted from all these platforms and initiatives.
By partnering with Nagaland Police Family Welfare Association as the stakeholders, he said the initiatives will be able to foray into every corner of the society.
He said the department wants women to become self-reliant and productive members of the society while the most important aspect of the program was to focus on sustainability of the skilled women.
Earlier, he launched the skill development for women through Mobile Skill Morung Van and skill training in collaboration with Nagaland Police Family Welfare Association (NPFWA).
In the opening remark, chairperson of the programme, secretary & ex-officio director, Kovi Meyase, said the two initiatives, “Skill Development for Rural Women through Mobile Skill Morung” and “Skill Training in collaboration with the NPFWA” would address the significant challenges faced by women in accessing skill development programs, especially in rural areas, where accessibility, traditional roles, financial constraints and limited awareness hinder their empowerment.
Meyase said the second initiative aims to empower women, through specialized skill training in garment production. With a focus on enhancing household capacity, autonomy, and employability, the initiative targets 32 police personnel’s wives.
A video presentation on celebrating success of women through skill development was screened during the event. (Correspondent)
Mokokchung: District Administration, Mokokchung and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the aegis of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Mokokchung in collaboration with the Department of English, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung celebrated “International Women’s Day” at Conference Hall, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.
Delivering key address on the topic, “Property Rights of women in the Ao Naga context”, ex-president, Watsu Mungdang, Dr Imlirenla Walling, presented a semi-structured paper on the topic highlighting on two important aspects: inherited or ancestral property and acquired or achieved property.
Asserting that property rights among the Ao’s are heavily biased in favour of men, she stated that patrilineal inheritance threatens the society and well-being of women especially those who are financially dependent on their spouses and parents. She also stressed on the role of women in the Naga patriarchal society as women are still struggling to find their place in decision making bodies and inheritance of parental properties.
A panel discussion on the topic “Carving a Space of Her Own: A Discussion on Naga Women Writers” was held with Dr Moalemla Imchen as the Moderator.
In a concluding remark, SDO (C) Mokokchung, Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao stated that the main purpose for having the panel discussion was to introduce the idea of having an insightful discourse on the position of women in the society today. To accelerate the progress of women, she said that it is important to send an elected women representative to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from Mokokchung district since the Ao’s are considered to be the pioneers in education, progress and development.
Kohima: Commemorating International Women’s Day, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) Kohima in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Kohima organized a bike rally from T. T. Stadium to Secretariat junction, Kohima.
Flagging off the rally, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori said the rally was organised on the occasion under the banner of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral (SVEEP) campaign with an aim to carry a message of electoral participation and to spread voter awareness in the district. Altogether, 17 riders participated in the campaign rally.
Phek: District Administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Phek in collaboration with Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) and Sakhi One Stop Centre celebrated International Women’s Day at Chetheba Town Council Hall, with EAC Chetheba, Cthitu Nienu as the guest speaker.
During the celebration, the gathering was sensitized on topics such as, women empowerment through SHGs, women centric schemes and roles of DHEW, Women and Childs Rights, and SAKHI-OSC and its Services, Security and Safety of Women. The programme was attended by around 140 people.
Kiphire: District Administration Kiphire, District Hub for Women Empowerment, Sakhi – One Stop Centre in convergence with Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Kiphire celebrated International Women’s Day with Chief Judicial Magistrate Kiphire, Holika Sukhalu, as the special guest.
In her address, Sukhalu said the day was celebrated to address the problems and rights of womenfolk, and to promote gender equity towards progress and fair treatment in all walks of life.
She also advised students to assist and educate illiterate parents and grandparents as well, and enable them to focus beyond the household environment. Sukhalu also informed the gathering on provision given by law on equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender, and encouraged everyone to avail those opportunities. Other highlights of the programme included singing, tug of war and arm wrestling organised to mark the special occasion.
Meluri: Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with Pochury Mothers’ Association celebrated International Women’s Day was celebrated at Meluri Village Council Hall.
Speaking on the theme, Virhothsü Nyuwi expressed the role of women in education, economic, empowerment and leadership development to accelerate towards gender equality. She also encouraged the womenfolk about the importance of creating an inclusive society where women are valued, respected and empowered to partition fully in all aspects of life.
Zunheboto: International Women’s Day celebration cum felicitation of Nagaland Olympics 2024 games achievers was held at VDB Conference Hall, Zunheboto. During the programme, short speeches were delivered by Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali and EAC, Viketoulie Mehta on various rights and schemes on women. Short speech on women centric schemes was delivered gender specialist DHEW, Kiyepu.
Tseminyu: District Administration Tseminyu, District HUB for Women Empowerment in convergence with Department of RD, Tseminyu celebrated the International Women’s Day program at Town Hall, Tseminyu. At the programme, opening remarks was delivered by SDO (C) Tseminyu, Kemciyile and short speeches by BDO, Tseminyu, Jenny Kath, PHC Tesophenyu, Dr. Victoria Seb, and SDEO Tseminyu, Gwayhunle Tep.
Sangtamtilla: International Women’s Day was celebrated by Sangtamtilla VLO under NSRLM BMMU, Dhansiripar at Sangtamtilla village under the theme, “Inspire Inclusion”, with Co-founder of Liden (A digital marketing agency), Takuangla Jamir, as the resource person. The BMMU Dhansiripar felicitated the VLO For their outstanding contribution and dedication against Gender Based Violence.
Power department: On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, a Day Care Centre of Power Department was inaugurated at the office premises of the Engineer-in-Chief, Power by secretary (power), Asangla Imti. In her inaugural address, Imti encouraged the employees to bring their children to the centre and make full use of the facility. She hoped that by starting the day care centre, work productivity would improve and absenteeism in the workplace would also reduce.
NWHD: Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) celebrated International Women’s Day with its units at NCD Hall, Dimapur on the theme, “Inspire inclusion”, with administrator, Rainbow Academy, Dr. Adela Copper as the resource person. At the programme, the resource person shared at length about the inclusive approach of women in all wake of life for the society to progress.
Rengma Women: The Rengma Women Civil Societies, namely Rengma Hoho Women Representatives, Rengma Mothers’ Association and Women Club, celebrated International Women’s Day at Riga Thong Memorial Hall. During the programme, Rengma Hoho women’s representative, Kesogi Khing, encouraged women to participate/contribute in whatever way they can for the upliftment and welfare of the community. Rengma Mothers’ Association, president, Sojule Tep, urged women to challenge the stereotypes that limit women’s opportunities and break down barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential. During the program six women entrepreneurs were felicitated.