Assisi Centre celebrates Women’s Day in Dimapur

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 10 
Assisi Centre for Integrated Development celebrated International Women’s Day at Assisi Auditorium, Lake View colony, Dimapur on March 9 with Chief General Manager (CGM) of NABARD Nagaland, Tiakala Ao as the special guest. 

The event was organised by Assisi Centre in collaboration with National Domestic Workers Movement- Nagaland region. 
Tiakala Ao said although women constitute half of the population, there is still a very low representation in the work force and to ask as to why it so, she says that it starts from home. It begins when parents give preferential treatment to boys instead of girls, be it in education or career, she said. 

To the women and mothers in the audience, she reminded them to always have respect for themselves before giving respect to others, whether they were domestic workers or working in other menial jobs. She reminded them that they were the unsung heroes of society as the service they provide is always in high demand. “You are the people working in the shadows, to uphold society so do not underestimate your worth, you are equally important,” she added. 

As a career woman herself, the special guest mentioned that she has climbed up the ladder to be the head of her department through grit and determination even though it was a male dominated space. She said the need right now is for women to be given equal opportunity like men, to further their careers or be successful. 

Taking the example from her personal life, she revealed that both her parents were in the army. However, due to family priorities, her mother had to give up her career as a military nurse and be a house wife instead, which was very unfair, she said. In spite of it, she never gave up on providing the best education for her children, Ao noted. “Due to these aspects, my mother has been my role model.” 
In conclusion, the special guest encouraged the women to always strive hard in their endeavors and be role models for their children. 
Priya Shyam, advocate, meanwhile noted that women were no less than men. This day enables us to recognise the unique contributions that women bring to the table, she shared. 

Moreover, she stressed on the need to be supportive of one another even in times of need and struggle. “Let us not underestimate ourselves, each role or position is no less,” she said. 

Rev Sister Juliana Pereira, Vice Principal, UFA NE mentioned that the trade of women is sacrifice. This is relation to working tirelessly around the clock, always loyal to family duties and to God. 

A number of cultural items were also performed during the programme by the women of Assisi Centre.