Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 17
According to MLA and Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, Nagaland electing its first two women legislators has shifted perceptions of gender capability. “The glass ceiling has been broken,” she said, on the sideline of a programme in Dimapur on April 17.
She was asked for comment on the on the Central government’s push for implementing 33 percent seat reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The Women’s Reservation Act, also known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, provides for reserving 33 percent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, including the Delhi Assembly.
Jakhalu expressed support for the implementation of 33 percent seat reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, describing the move as “very needed” for Nagaland.
Despite winning her seat in an unreserved election, Jakhalu stated that a formal quota is necessary to ensure broader representation. She dismissed the concept of patriarchy as a barrier, asserting that her victory in 2023 was facilitated by male supporters and family members. “That patriarchal thing is not going to work in Nagaland anymore,” she said.
She said that women no longer view themselves as inferior in policy-making. She further cited the 2024 Urban Local Bodies election results, where women secured nearly 37 percent of seats, as evidence that women can outperform mandated quotas.
