North East Network, Nagaland in collaboration with Nenterpise observed the International Women’s Day at local ground, Chizami.
Chizami, March 8 (MExN): North East Network (NEN), Nagaland in collaboration with Nenterpise observed the International Women’s Day at local ground, Chizami with more than 370 women in Chizami, Phek district and Kohima under the theme Inspire Inclusion.’
The day-long event brought together rural women (artisans and farmers), village leaders, and women societies and associations to celebrate women’s contributions, achievements, and leadership within their households and communities, discuss issues on gender equality, women’s health, wellbeing, and avail medical services.
In her keynote address, Wekoweu Tsuha, State Coordinator, NEN spoke on the importance of challenging discriminatory gender norms, redistributing gender roles within their homes, women’s wellbeing, enhancing their voices in household decision-making, increasing participation in community processes, and recognising allies in men who support gender equality. Furthermore, she spoke of the need to encourage, invest, and inspire gender inclusion.
In particular, she acknowledged the contributions of women in Nagaland, especially rural women primarily engaged in agriculture and allied work, including textile weaving, who have not only sustained the traditional skills and knowledge of textile weaving but significantly contribute to their family’s income and the local economy. She encouraged the women to prioritize one’s own well being before making sacrifices. ‘Women for generations and at present have been taught to put the needs of others first than theirs. And there is a need to break such societal expectations as the well-being of women plays a pivotal role in fostering a prosperous economy and sustaining the planet earth,’ she noted.
Dr Pangertemsu, Gynecologist at Phek District Hospital spoke on ‘Women’s Health and Wellbeing’. He explained the three stages of women’s life, diverse health needs and problems for different stages. Some of the key aspects he shared included reproductive health, common diseases, breast cancer and cervical Cancer. Critical information such as the early symptoms related to cancer were shared and advised on the need for preventive measures, timely checkups, early detection, and treatment. He shared on the availability of HPV vaccine for protection for girls and young women from Cervical Cancer. He stressed on the need for men to understand and learn important health issues affecting women and be able to lend care and support.
On ‘Oral Health and Harmful effect of tobacco,’ Dr Pfukhrolo Koza, Senior Dental Surgeon focused on the three stages of Oral health - Preventive, Restorative and Rehabilitation. He also highlighted the long term impacts of tobacco consumption on women’s health.
During the medical camp conducted by District Hospital Phek, 370 patients availed services of Gynaecology, dental, medicine, and opthamology.
In Kohima, the event was celebrated in collaboration with SEWA Union Kohima and State Institute of Rural Development. The event consisted of interactive sessions with women at the grassroots who are leading change and breaking gender stereotypes along with sessions, around Legal Rights and entitlements, Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Around 70 participants attended the programme.
Sharing her experience, Vikuonuo Belho, the “only female two-wheeler taxi rider in Kohima” said her interest towards the taxi service started during the lockdown when she had to look for an alternative to earn income and began with delivering vegetables and foods for people. Since then she has continued, yet she faces a challenge of people stereotyping her based on her gender and questioning her driving skills. Also shared her concerns of security faced not just by her but by the other drivers, especially while dealing with drunken customers.
A grassroot women leader and entrepreneur, Vepotalü Solo shared about her journey into entrepreneurship which started at a young age owing to the responsibility of taking care of her siblings. Over the years she has engaged in different types of business to sustain and one of her greatest achievements and takes pride is in her skills for making sticky rice roti and weaving.
Ketholenuo Solo, Project Officer NCIU Kohima, spoke on the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion.’ Empowering women through Micro-Enterprise Activities, Chozhule Kikhi, Rtd Deputy Director, Horticulture encouraged the participants to engage in activities such as gardening which not only provided security for food but can also be a way to generate income.
Nancy Lotha, Advocate cum Panel Lawyer shared on the protection laws available for women on protection of women’s from domestic violence, Immoral traffic, gender equality, Legal Aid & Legal Service, Maintenance & Welfare of parents and senior citizens.
