Akangjungla Longchar
Dimapur | January 31
Politics is believed to be a man-dominated field in particular context to Nagaland, but the recent uproar of women folk in the state demanding party ticket for the forthcoming assembly elections has brought forward the focus of women taking greater role in Politics.
Nini Meru Chairman NBSE while sharing about the capability of women in politics said, “Any person is capable.” She adds a woman coming forward in politics or any other field is a good sign. Talking about Naga women demanding one seat out of 60 Sentila T. Yanger, the Convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and also the recipient of this year Padma Shri Award said “It is not right to say women are active in politics ‘now a days’; Women have always being involved in politics. When it comes to election women are always leading in the polling station, pushed in for the polling day.”
Sentila expressed that “It is time for man to accept women in politics and also as political opponents. It time to accept women as equal. But women must definitely strive harder to reach the goal. I support the whole process of women participating in the Politics. Aspiring candidates must work harder, strive harder. Definitely it is time for women sitting in the seat of power to be judicious to their power.”
Hekali Zhimomi Director NEZCC feels that ‘present trend in Nagaland in electoral politics is not about personality and issue. It is about money. And one reason why women have been held back is because of the ‘economic situation.’
While talking about focus on different political agendas and issues former DC of Dimapur Hekali Zhimomi said that “there should be no particular agenda as such. Why confine only to developmental issues. Leaders both man and woman should be people who are sensitized in all fields, from financial management to education. It should be all about improvement and development of society, working for betterment of society.” “It depends upon the person to tackle a problem and it doesn’t matter whether it be a man or woman. Political issue like any other issue depends on the capability of the person” Nini Meru said. However, Padma Shree Sentila believes that having women in the state ministry will bring about more space for the sensitive fields like health, sanitation, social welfare, etc.
For women to be in political ministry, most importantly Padma Shree Sentila affirms that “collective will and support of Naga women is more important for women to be a part of political process.” And further Hekali also stated that “younger generations of women are encouraged to venture out more into politics because they have more exposure and education. It is time for women to prove their worth.”
On February 25, 2006 in a landmark decision, the Nagaland Cabinet decided to constitute a Nagaland State Commission for Women, the first official women body in the state. The commission would cover wide areas relating to the safeguarding of women under the Constitution and other laws, thereby improving their condition.
So far, only one woman, Rano Shaiza, had been elected to Lok Sabha from the state and not a single one had been elected to the state Assembly since it attained statehood. However this State Assembly Election, women will be seen taking a greater role in electoral politics.
