KIPTO GHIBIU: Sümi community deliberates on gender balance

Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 5

Under the initiative of the Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH), a consultation on ‘Kipto Ghibiu’ which literally translates to ‘gender balance/justice’ was held on Saturday with prominent Sümi personalities dwelling on seven narratives vis-à-vis customary law, legal, church, social, politics, family and administration at the Covenant Hall, Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. 

Among the seven speakers invited for the consultation, Zhekheli Zhimomi, Advocate speaking through the legal perspective said women witness gender imbalance in plain sight. 

Customary laws creating imbalance in society

Bringing to fore the instance of the Naga Mothers’ Association’s (NMA) fight for women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies, Zhimomi said customary laws are creating imbalance in the society. 

While, personally she does not vie for reservation in any field, Zhimomi said that, if men understood the tiny intricacies of how women are tossed gently in the sidelines, in the family, in society, in the political or economic arena, “we wouldn’t have to be vocal about it, like this,” she told the gathering.

She said the plea of the NMA that reached the Supreme Court had to be withdrawn, not wanting to face the repercussions back here in the state, with intimidation from men.

“Don’t take Articles 371 (A) to suppress women,” Zhimomi said.

With regard to family tree/lineage, Zhimomi also said a woman should not be left out. On inheritance, she said customary laws should be thoroughly deliberated upon for the daughters. 

Reverend Hukato Shohe, Administrator, Riverine School Thilixu speaking on the church’s perspective talked about how women are ‘disregarded’ in the present day by taking out contexts from the Bible. Many Christians interpret the Bible to suit one’s perspective, while ignoring the inherent meaning. This is mistaken, Reverend Shohe said. 

Stating that ‘God made the Bible, and the Bible is not God,’ Reverend Shohe warned of the dangers of Bibliolatry. “It’s time we push our border little by little, in order to grow and develop.” 

“It’s been 55 years since the Nagas entered into the field of politics but till date there has not seen a Naga woman Legislator in the state. Many discussions has been going on about gender balance but maybe we’re living in a patriarchal society or because no woman have strongly brought the change needed, the impact of women rights are often suppressed,” observed Y Vikheho Awomi, former Chairperson, DMC while speaking from the political point of view. 

Abokali Jimomi, Proprietor, Organic Nagaland, speaking from the family perspective stressed on the need for the Nagas to adapt to changing times. This, for one, means giving equal access to women as men. 

Dr Hotokhu Chishi, Additional Director, Health and Family Welfare spoke from the social perspective. He held that distinction in work distribution came about, not so much for the inferred gender imbalance, rather out of necessity. Men by nature have stronger physical attributes than women, and by default men shouldered the heavier chores.

For Sümis, women are very precious and were given high respect and so when a Sümi woman marries, a gift was offered in terms of money, mithun etc and in turn the bride’s parents give double in return. However, he lamented that many regard this as ‘selling of our daughters’ which is far from reality. “Let 21st century be women’s generation.”

Women should stand and work for their rights 

Khekiye K Sema speaking through the eye of the Administration said, “Even if we live according to customary laws, we should know which laws to follow and which to un-follow. With the changing of time, women should also be given an opportunity to come to power. Women should stand and work for their rights and let others know it as well.” 

Ihezhe Sema, former Minister, spoke through the perspective of customary laws. According to him, the old guard, with all its strengths and limitations has transitioned and a new culture has evolved with the advent of Christianity and western education.

Call for balance

Earlier, Dr Kakheto Zhimomi, President, Western Sumi Hoho in his discourse said that gender balance can be classified into three categories: Bible, customary law and the modern society.

He said gender balance in Sümi context, can be discussed based on inheritance and social status of women.
Through the Biblical context as Christians, Dr Zhimomi said that God allowed giving inheritance to women. They were however commanded not to marry outsiders.

Calling for balancing the prevailing imbalance, he said that such discussion be taken to the grassroots, where it is most needed.

Dr Hesheto Chishi, Director, Indigenous Cultural Society moderated the discussion. GBs, student bodies and various units of the Sümi Totimi Hoho were part of the audience.