Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | October 22
Successive State and Central governments have failed women entrepreneurs in Nagaland with schemes and programmes despite women being identified as the 'backbone of Naga families' in the past and the present, according to Lithrongla G Sangtam, IAS (Retd).
She said this while launching the 'WE Mean Business– 20 Women Entrepreneurs, 20 Stories,' graphic novel at Sky Garden, Chümoukedima on Saturday. The launch programme was organised by Women Entrepreneurs Network, Nagaland (WENN).
Sangtam noted that while there are various central schemes and programmes for women entrepreneurs, most of them are not women centric.
Along with this, she also identified communication gaps, poor access to financial resources and infrastructural deficiencies as some of the shortcomings hindering women entrepreneurs from realising their full potential.
As a prominent entrepreneur herself, she recounted her experiences and the realities of women entrepreneurs in the past. In this, she acknowledged that things are improving in the state and there are a few women entrepreneurs who have reached the international markets.
However, the numbers are negligible.
In general, she pointed out that entrepreneurs in Nagaland need to break the stereotype of being involved in the food and beverage sector and explore other sectors.
Chishi also noted that 'continuity' is a big issue for entrepreneurs in the state as they often do not study the raw materials available to them, and as such, when the demand for their products rise, they are unable to sustain production.
Touching upon the export markets, she also underscored that most Naga entrepreneurs are still not aware of food grade packaging materials and do not take quality assessment seriously.
Along with this, she also advised entrepreneurs to know their own strengths. In Nagaland, most people tend to follow trends and invest in businesses that are 'in trend.' This, she said, is unhealthy for any entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Notably, Chishi acknowledged WENN for taking the initiative of giving women entrepreneurs a platform. She hoped that true empowerment can be realised through WENN platform.
Accordingly, she encouraged them to collaborate with departments to bring benefits to the women entrepreneurs and also revive Nagaland's involvement in International trade fairs which has reduced over the years.
