It’s ‘The Year of Liberty’ for Naga Women Hoho Dimapur as they turn 50
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 24
Formed fifty years ago under trying times to instill strength and confidence among women through unity, to safeguard themselves and protect their men and sons, the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur ((NWHD) has come a long way since then.
On Friday afternoon, women folks from different Naga tribes adorned in their traditional attires congregated here at DDSC Stadium to celebrate the golden jubilee of NWHD held on the theme ‘The year of liberty.’
Additional secretary and mission director, Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), Athel O Lotha, the chief guest of the celebration, in her address said the spirit of perseverance and persistence of the women leaders, past and present, to achieve the 50 years milestone is commendable and an encouragement to everyone.
“With noble aspiration of bringing together women from all walks of life irrespective of tribes under one umbrella, and standing firm on the objective ‘Unite and progress (motto of NWHD), it is notable that they have made impacts and surmounted so many obstacles and limitations over the decades and today their exploits stand as a legacy”, the chief guest said.
Quoting former UN secretary general, Ban Ki-Moon’s “when we empower women, we empower communities, nations and entire human family”, Athel said no appreciable development can be made either at the local, national or international platform without recognizing women as key players. She said empowering women to participate fully in socio-economic life across all sectors is essential to building cohesive society and stronger economies, achieve development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities.
“Harnessing on this, it may be mentioned that Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) recognizes the strength and contribution women can make to develop a society towards equity.
Accordingly, it is spearheading sustainable women self help groups movement in 29 blocks whereby we are seeing an appreciable change in the lives of the rural poor households,” the NSRLM mission director said.
However, to have absolute impact in the society, every key stakeholder must join efforts and work cohesively and therefore the NWHD becomes an important partner in the mission.
Athel further said that although millions of men and women around the world now support the call for gender equality, yet much needs to be done in this direction, especially in a developing State like Nagaland.
“As NWHD celebrates its golden jubilee, take particular pride in the fact that your passion and commitment towards empowerment and upliftment of the women and children is stronger than ever”, she added.
Dr. Adela Mero, who spoke on significance of jubilee, said according to the Bible, jubilee is the year of God’s favour and a time to rest, to restore hope and peace in the society.
Adela said the present Naga society has become love-deficient, carried away with worldly affairs, forgotten the virtues of simple living and gone adrift from God. “Unless we renew our relationship with God, we cannot exchange ashes for beauty”, she reminded the women folks.
NWHD president, Nungshirenla Aier, in her welcome speech said the main objectives of the women hoho is to stand united under one umbrella to voice out loud against harassment and discrimination of women and children, and to foster the principle of unity.
Earlier, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, in his message said like Gandhiji’s observation of the stages of Indians under the British rule, Naga women too have gone through the stages of being ignored, laughed at, fighting and finally emerging victorious and liberated. Aier said in the present Naga context, Naga women can play a vital role on how to deconstruct the past and look to the future with greater finesse.
Vice president, Naga Council Dimapur, Hokheto Chophy, and Naharbari Village Council chairman, Tokheli Kikon, also addressed the jubilee celebration.
On the occasion, NWHD founder Khremoü Liegise, released the NWHD anthem and the hoho also presented lifetime achievement awards to Naga women, past and present, who excelled in various fields.
