Sentsuthung Odyuo
The Naga society's historical timeline exhibits a strongly embedded patriarchal structure that had a significant impact on women's roles and perceptions. Within this framework, the political struggle of the Naga people, driven primarily by men, further marginalized women, relegating them to the shadows of political discourse. Their contributions, often unrecognized, served as the backbone of the Naga movement, but their political agency remained largely unacknowledged.
However, this narrative has been undergoing a profound change in recent years. A shift is evident, challenging the historical portrayal of Naga women as apolitical actors. This evolving narrative brings to light the dynamic and essential role that Naga women now play in politics, peace-building efforts, and the broader social landscape.
The transformation is a result of various interconnected factors that have paved the way for Naga women to assert their political agency, thus redefining their place within their society. This commentary paper explores this transition in depth, shedding light on the changing narrative that reflects the progress made and the complexities and challenges that persist. It attempts to present a comprehensive overview of the changing political roles of Naga women, the impact of historical gender norms and customary laws, and the factors contributing to their increased political participation. Moreover, it calls for a critical analysis of the barriers and the measures that must be taken in order to fully realize Naga women's political agency within the changing socio-political landscape of the Naga community.
Historical Perspective:
In the historical setting of the Naga society, the roles and attitudes of Naga women were significantly shaped by traditional norms and practices. It's crucial to note that while the Naga region is inhabited by various Naga tribes, they share certain common historical experiences. Naga society was traditionally organized along patriarchal lines, with men predominantly holding leadership positions and playing central roles in political decisions and conflicts.
An essential component of the historical perspective is the British colonial influence on the Naga Hills. The British colonial administration in India played a role in codifying customary laws, which, in some instances, further entrenched gender disparities. Women's rights and political agency were limited within customary laws, thereby reinforcing traditional roles assigned to Naga women. Further, the emergence of the Naga Nationalist movement in the mid-20th century added another layer to the marginalization of Naga women. This movement, which aimed for Naga self-determination and sovereignty, was primarily led by men. The male-dominated nature of the Naga struggle relegated women to roles primarily confined to the domestic sphere. This historical context contributed to the perception of Naga women as apolitical subjects, as their voices and participation were largely absent from the political discourse.
The Changing Narrative:
The changing narrative surrounding Naga women as political subjects has been a gradual process marked by several factors that have led to increased recognition of their political agency. This transformation is evident in their growing participation in various political, social, and cultural domains. Here are some critical aspects of this evolving narrative:
Rooted Gender Inequality and Customary Laws
Customary laws have historically played a pivotal role in shaping the gender dynamics within Naga society. These laws, deeply rooted in tradition and culture, have codified specific gender roles and responsibilities. One significant argument stems from the codification of these roles, where women were predominantly assigned domestic and caregiving duties, while men held primary positions of authority and decision-making power. These codified roles have limited the political agency of Naga women, as they were confined to the private sphere, reinforcing the perception of them as apolitical subjects.
Furthermore, customary laws have directly influenced matters of inheritance and property rights. Often favoring male heirs, these laws have perpetuated gender disparities. Inheritance rights are typically skewed in favor of men, depriving women of economic opportunities and resources that are crucial for political participation. The inability to access and control property has, in turn, hindered Naga women's engagement in politics and decision-making processes. The impact of customary laws extends to the domain of marriage and family life as well. These laws regulated marriage practices, coupled with the expectation that women move to their husband's households, curtailed women's mobility and political involvement.
One of the critical consequences of customary laws was the exclusion of women from significant community decision-making processes. Typically administered by male elders, these laws limited the participation of women in crucial political discussions. This lack of involvement in decision-making further contributed to the perception of Naga women as passive and apolitical actors in society.
Another dimension of this issue is the absence of legal protections for women within customary laws. These laws often lacked safeguards against gender discrimination and abuse, leaving women vulnerable and disempowered. The absence of legal protections added to the hurdles that Naga women faced in asserting their political rights and contributing meaningfully to the political discourse.
A fundamental challenge in addressing these gender inequalities lies in the deep-rooted nature of customary laws. Resistance to change, often driven by cultural and social norms, has made it difficult to challenge and modify these traditional gender roles and perceptions. Overcoming these deeply entrenched customs requires concerted efforts and strategies aimed at fostering gender equality and reshaping the narrative surrounding Naga women as political subjects. Several notable Naga writers and feminist scholars have on many occasions highlighted that Naga customary law interpreters are primarily men and interpretation is always influenced by individual viewpoints and beliefs, and Naga culture being patriarchal, customary laws have always been understood from a patriarchal perspective, and that's one reason we see the biases and anomalies in laws pertaining to women, another writer commented that some men employ the customary laws as an argument to prevent or limit women's involvement in decision-making processes, despite the fact that there isn't a particular customary rule that prohibits them from participating.
A paucity in political decision-making bodies
One of the critical challenges in the reconceptualization of Naga women as political subjects lies in their limited representation in formal political decision-making bodies. While Naga women have made significant strides in various political and social spheres, their presence in official political structures remains restricted. This limitation perpetuates the historical perception of Naga women as apolitical subjects and underscores the need for greater inclusivity. Multiple studies have highlighted that greater representation of women in political forums leads to more inclusive and equitable policies and decision-making processes. Furthermore, research on ‘The Impact of Women's Political Representation on Gender Equality’ highlights the positive correlation between women's political participation and gender equality. Naga women's limited representation in formal political bodies can hinder the progress toward gender equality and the validation of their political agency.
The lack of women in political decision-making bodies may also result in policies that do not adequately address the specific needs and concerns of Naga women. As noted by Laskar, the under representation of women in political decision-making can impede efforts to address conflict-related issues effectively, which are particularly significant in the Naga region. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for gender equality but also for the overall well-being and development of Naga society. Ensuring equal participation for Naga women in formal political decision-making bodies is vital for meaningful change, as it validates their political agency and ensures that their perspectives and concerns are adequately considered in the political discourse.
Conflict and Peace
The Naga region's historical conflict has not only contributed to shaping gender dynamics but has also placed Naga women in unique positions within peace processes. A critical analysis of this context should consider both the distinct roles Naga women have played in peace-building efforts and the challenges they face in contributing to conflict resolution.
In conflict situations, Naga women have often acted as peacemakers and mediators within their communities. Their roles extend beyond traditional gender boundaries as they navigate their communities through tumultuous times. They have been instrumental in reconciling differences, fostering dialogue, and building bridges between opposing factions. Review papers such as "Women's Role in Conflict Prevention, Conflict Resolution, and Post-Conflict Reconstruction" by UNIFEM provide insights into the critical role of women in peace-building efforts in conflict-affected regions.
However, while Naga women have played these crucial roles, they also face specific challenges. These challenges include limited representation in formal peace negotiations and decision-making processes. Peace talks in the Naga region have often been dominated by male leaders and combatants, sidelining the perspectives and contributions of women. To address this issue, it is vital to ensure that Naga women's voices are heard, and their experiences are integrated into peace-building initiatives. Academic sources like "Women, Peace, and Security: The Role of the Civil Society in the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions" by Anne Hellum and Shaheen Sardar Ali discuss the importance of including women in peace processes and the challenges they face.
Furthermore, the specific impact of conflict on Naga women, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and exposure to violence, must be recognized and addressed within peace-building efforts. Their unique experiences can provide invaluable insights for designing effective conflict resolution strategies and post-conflict reconstruction. A critical analysis of the role of Naga women in conflict and peace processes highlights their unique contributions as well as the challenges they encounter. Ensuring their active participation in formal peace negotiations, decision-making, and addressing the gender-specific consequences of conflict is crucial for achieving lasting peace and justice in the Naga region.
Conclusion: Intergarting the challanges
In conclusion, the changing narrative surrounding Naga women as political subjects reflects a dynamic societal transformation that is both promising and challenging. While strides have been made in expanding the roles and visibility of Naga women in various spheres, including the recent election of two women in the state legislative assembly, however, a deeper critical analysis underscores the persisting complexities.
This evolving narrative, which challenges historical gender norms, is a testament to the resilience and determination of Naga women. It signifies a shift away from the marginalization that they historically endured, particularly within the context of Naga customary laws and the male-dominated Naga Nationalist movement. It showcases the profound impact of increased access to education, economic empowerment, and the emergence of women's organizations. These factors have acted as catalysts for Naga women's participation in politics and the broader public discourse.
However, amid these encouraging changes, a range of hurdles and disparities persist. Customary laws continue to exert a strong influence, perpetuating gender inequalities, and resistance to change within deeply rooted cultural norms remains. Addressing these systemic issues requires sustained efforts to challenge and reform traditional gender roles, aiming for a more inclusive and equitable society.
The quest for gender equality and the full realization of Naga women's political agency is far from complete. There remains work to be done in terms of ensuring inclusivity, equal representation, and opportunities in formal political decision-making bodies. Additionally, there is a need to acknowledge the diverse experiences of Naga women based on factors like tribal identity, class, and geographic location, ensuring that the changing narrative encompasses the entirety of their experiences.
In this journey towards a more equitable society, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Naga women in both conflict resolution and peace-building efforts is essential. To fully embrace their perspectives and insights within peace processes, addressing the challenges they face, such as limited representation in negotiations and gender-specific consequences of conflict, is of paramount importance.
The changing narrative of Naga women as political subjects reflects a continuous process of transformation, where progress and challenges coexist. It calls for a holistic approach that not only dismantles traditional gender norms but also addresses systemic inequalities and ensures that the voices of Naga women are not only heard but actively valued and integrated into all aspects of political and social life.
The writer is a Research Scholar [Working in the area of Women's participation in politics]. He has also, in the past, contributed to this subject matter
