Exclusion of women is regressive and detrimental to any progressive society

NSCW commemorates International Women’s Day

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 8

“The exclusion of women in the economic workforce, decision making and politics is not only regressive, but is detrimental to any progressive society,” said Kaisa Rio, wife of Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio.

The comment comes against the backdrop of a divided stand on the issue of 33 percent women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) election in the state.

Rio who was the guest speaker at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) at Japfü Christian College this morning, said that ‘empowering women and girl child remain at the heart of building a sustainable tomorrow.’

Strongly asserting that the issues of women and the girl child must be taken up with utmost seriousness as the quality of our future depends on it, Rio viewed that gender equality must be promoted in the towns, villages, churches and homes.

She observed that a significant gender gap still persists despite the progress made globally toward achieving gender equality as women and girls lag behind on important social, political and economic indexes by virtue of their gender. 

“Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but is a prerequisite to building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable society,” she maintained adding that ‘exclusion of women in the economic workforce, decision making and politics is not only regressive, but is detrimental to any progressive society.’

Rio also emphasised that a sustainable future cannot exist without a peaceful and secure political environment, while pointing out that along with conducive environment, it is crucial that the development of social framework with ‘equal rights and access to opportunities’ encompasses everyone, irrespective of class or gender. “No society can secure their future if any section of the society is left behind,” Rio added.

“The world is changing fast, and we, Nagas are not exempt from these inevitable changes confronting every society across the globe today,” commented Rio.

Lot of room for improvement
NSCW Chairperson, Khrienuo Tachü said IWD is a day to reflect on opportunities and struggles’ that Naga women face in pursuit of gender equality, social and economic progress, and a sustainable future. 

The Commissioner, she shared is attempting to bridge the gap between the rural and urban and between the administrative centre and local level with regard to the implementation of the policies and programmes relating to women and girl child. 

While the Commission had dedicated itself to forge mutual dialogue and understanding between men and women, Tachü said there is still a lot of room for improvement in the Naga society. 

“NSCW has taken an approach to bring both men and women as equal stakeholders to address the issues of women’s right and empowerment. We believe that dialogue, mutual understanding, and equal participation between members of the society can help solve even the most difficult of issues,” she optimistically stated.

Also citing the difficult situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tachü informed that the Commission plans to undertake a massive yet important grassroot task of registering every women and girls of working-age going outside the state for employment and studies. 

As this exercise needs to be conducted at the village level with assistance from the respective village councils, women hohos, student unions in different states, and the church organisation, she urged upon all to work together with the Commission towards safeguarding Naga women.

Tachü meanwhile urged all Naga women and girls to be ‘fearless, confident, prudent, and be co-contributors’ to matters relating to women and the girl child, and any other issues that concerns the sustainable future of the society.

“I hope that collaborative endeavour, mutual understanding, and selflessness will be part of our lives as we all strive together to secure gender equality and sustainable future for the state of Nagaland” expressed Tachü.

In commemoration of the celebration, a national parliament for women was also held with Khyochano TCK, Kivini Shohe, Apila Sangtam, Rekha Rose Dukru, Hekani Jakhalu Kense and Dr Visakhonü Hibo as panellists.

Nagaland State Commission for Women Awards

As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations which was held on the theme ‘Celebrating Women Extraordinaire,’ the Commissioner presented the NSCW Awards to five remarkable women— Imdanglemla Aier, L Dorothy Chang, Zhonelü Tünyi, Kevinourheno Seyie and Yomah Konyak, for their contributions to society.

Profile of the awardees:
Imdanglemla Aier: Breaking the glass ceiling, Aier from Mokokchung was the first woman in Nagaland to be nominated as a candidate to the Rajya Sabha by a national political party, and also the first woman member to be nominated to the Mokokchung Town Committee.

L. Dorothy Chang: Proprietor of the M/S Benlin Bakery, Chang was elected as the president of the Tuensang Chamber of Commerce & Industries. She is also current the advisor of TCCI. During her stint in TCCI, one of the remarkable contributions was the construction of the first ever Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the district hospital, Tuensang.
Zhonelü Tünyi: An activist for the upliftment of women from Kikrüma village, Phek district, Tünyi has been an active campaigner against illegal drugs, human trafficking and the safety and validity of market stocks. She has also been promoting the rich cultural heritage of her people – traditional attires, folk songs, traditional values through a series of community programmes. One of her greatest achievements was maintaining social stability and peaceful co-existence during her sting in the Pfütsero Town Council.

Kevinourheno Seyie: Two time former president of Angami Women Organisation (AWO), Seyie has been described as a diligent leader, generous and a philanthropist who has inspired and influences people around her. She has provided financial assistance to 44 destitute persons out of her personal savings, sponsored admission and tuition fees for 35 school students from Semoma clan from Khonoma village. Seyie has also trained and equipped many women with vocational trainings such as stuffed doll making, pot painting and tie and dye.

Yomah Konyak: A founding member of the Konyak Nyupuk Sheko Khong (KNSK), Konyak has served as a member of the State Level Advisory Board of the Juvenile Justice Board and a member of the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation Nagaland. She stood firm in fighting for the rights of women and the 33% reservation for women ion urban bodies. Konyak has also contributed toward improving the education system, district hospital, Mon and prohibiting the illicit use and trafficking of alcohol and drugs in Mon.