Phek, March 8 (MExN): The Chakhesang Women Welfare Society celebrated International Women’s Day cum Self Help Group Convention in Pfutsero on March 8 under the theme “Press for Progress”. The program was supported by North East Initiative Development Agency—an Initiative of TATA Trusts.
The objective of the program was to make available an opportunity for women farmers, SHG leaders in the district to come together and share experiences, success stories, through which women can play a role of women to women inspiration and motivation source. The program also sought to facilitate information from different areas of expertise under agri-allied activities and financial institutions for women.
Resource persons for the program were: Dr. Hannah Krujia, ACTO, KVK Porba Phek District; Mathung Khuvung, Branch Manager NStCB, Pfutsero; Dr. Ketinaro Aier, Senior Project Associate, NEIDA; and Vechulo-u Kanuo, Executive Director CWWS.
Speaking on Role of Women in Agriculture, Dr. Krujia among other things expounded on market demand and supply of farm products; to avoid cultivation and production of identical cash crops at all cost to ensure safe market demand and supply.
She also encouraged farmers to use easily available backyard garden herbs and plants such as mint leaves, tobacco leaves as source of organic crop protection measures. Women were also encouraged to come forward and approach KVK for any agri-allied activity trainings if required.
Branch Manager of NStCB Pfutsero speaking on Financial Literacy encouraged women to cultivate the habit of saving. He also gave awareness on a number of loan facilities and schemes available for farmers as individuals, groups, KCC loan, PMSBY insurance scheme etc.
Senior Project Associate of NEIDA elucidated on role of women in animal husbandry. Apart from many other home care responsibilities, women play a great yet underrated role in family economic contribution through livestock rearing, she viewed and added that women’s contribution should be made heard and counted through meticulous management of time, animal care and management, better feeding management, accessing of animal health care services.
The Executive Director CWWS exhorted the gathering and encouraged women for an active break through from all the deep-seated fears harboured within and rooted in our patriarchal upbringing which conditions women to be silent and submissive.
“It is time women change from scheming, fearful and downbeat beings to a more receptive and responsive, sincere and pro active individuals in areas which can positively enhance one’s existence,” Kanuo stated.
The program also acknowledged and awarded certificates to best 7 women SHGs who were graded as Excellent performing SHGs in the year 2017. The SHG awardees were also given revolving fund by Chakhesang Women Welfare Society.
The program ended with an exhibition and sale of handicrafts and farm products of the women SHG participants. In total, 173 participants attended the program.
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