‘Patriarchal mindset of society must change to achieve gender parity’

Kohima/lumami, March 9 (MExN): International Women’s Day 2018 was celebrated at Nagaland University Kohima campus under the theme ‘Press for progress’ on March 8. It was jointly organized by Women’s Studies, NU, Nagaland University Student’s Union (NUSU) Kohima campus, Meriema, Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), and State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW).  

Professor Ramesh C Gupta, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NU, Kohima stressed that the patriarchal mindset of the society must change to achieve gender parity and encouraged the students to be gender champions. “…too many women in too many countries speak the same language of silence…” he quoted from the poem ‘Silence’ by Anasuya Sengupta.  

Bano Vinito, NSSWB chairperson in her keynote address referred to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, 2030 and particularly emphasized on goal 4 “to ensure Inclusive and quality education for all,” informed a press release. She encouraged the students to strive and work harder to be employable. Further stressing on Goal 5, “to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls,” she spoke on the importance of women to be economically independent.  

The NSSWB chairperson encouraged that place like Nagaland University should be one that provides right thinking and right action. She meanwhile applauded the women candidates who participated in the recent State elections and hoped that women would be elected in the near future.   Daisy Mezhur, Mission Director, SRCW gave introduction on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. She also clarified that the fight to achieve gender parity is not against men, but it is to be fought together with men.  

Live video streaming of BBBP - PAN India Expansion by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Jhunjhuhu, Rajasthan was telecast to the audience. The BBBP - Pan India Expansion, according to the press release, will cover all 640 districts (as per census 2011) of the country to have a deeper positive impact on Child Sex Ratio. The expansion would include multi-sectoral intervention in 244 districts in addition to existing 161 districts. 235 districts are to be covered through Alert District Media, Advocacy and Outreach, thus covering all the 640 districts of the country, it added.  

Earlier, Women Helpline and One Stop Centre carried out special signature campaign to mark the occasion. An information booth was also set up to disseminate schemes for women and children.  

‘Human rights are women’s right and women rights are human rights’

Meanwhile, Nagaland University Women Welfare Association celebrated the International Women’s Day at Old Cafeteria, Nagaland University, Lumami on March 8. K. Chumseli Anar, President of Nagaland University Students’ Union NUSU (L), who was the main speaker, said the objective of Women’s Day celebration has evolved and embraced culture and ethnicity to emerge as a celebration of appreciation, respect and love towards women. One of the most fundamental ways of building the world a better place to live in is by empowering women by recognizing and appreciating their political, economic and social achievements, he stated. Anar also quoted, “Human rights are women’s right and women rights are human rights.”