Nagaland Chief Secretary Banuo Z. Jamir has said that traditionally, women in Naga society have always enjoyed a position of respect and honour, appropriate to the circumstances. “With the progress made by women in the past one decade and more, women’s rightful recognition in all spheres is expected to be ushered and promoted in the state of Nagaland- sooner than later, as the development of a society would be incomplete without the development of women who are crucial towards the advancement of any progressive society,” she said while delivering keynote address during the celebration of International Women’s Day here Saturday.
In Nagaland context, she said, the rise in female literacy and the increasing participation of women in society is a positive sign, adding that modern educated Naga woman is no longer confined to her home and hearth role as a housewife, but also contributes towards the economy, by venturing into various career avenues.
She said the gap in the literacy rate between male and female in the state is still around 6%-8%, in some as wide as 10% but in higher education up to doctorate, females outnumber males.
“Women are getting equipped to handle a variety of career/professions and we must ensure that the doors of opportunity are kept open for them, including the doors to public offices, through election,” she said.
The Chief Secretary said the conservative societal mindset to confine women at home is undergoing rapid change in Naga society and work force of women as cultivators, agricultural laborers and in household related work is equal or more than male workers in some activities.
The formation of women SHGs has contributed immensely in the confidence building of women particularly in rural areas, through the activities of the groups, she stated. “This changing scenario has catapulted women to successfully play multi-tasking roles as social crusaders.”
Traditionally, in Naga society, as in most societies, the household and all activities regarding its management are seen as the gender domain of the women and there is the tendency to demean the role of ‘housewife” which is normally the woman in the house. However, she termed the job of a housewife the most difficult task. “She is not just the one who bears the children, nurtures and looks after them, cooks for the family.” The housewife, she said, is a management specialist, a financial manager, a planner, the food/nutrition specialist, the accountant, the cashier, the doctor, the teacher, the cleaner, the diplomat, the mediator, the negotiator, the peace maker.. most valuable.
“We must respect the ‘housewife’ and stop referring to her as merely a housewife,” she urged. “Let us promote her value…” Jamir termed the theme of the day, “Inspiring Change” as most apt at this juncture where there is urgent need for change. “Change in attitude, approach, mindset and action.”
