LifeConnect Nagaland launches ‘Connect Homemade. Naga’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, February 25

LifeConnect Nagaland today launched “Connect Handmade. Naga” in the presence of Martha R Ritse, commissioner & secretary for Social Welfare, Govt of Nagaland and Col Tarun Rana, Commandant, 13th Assam Rifles as the special guest and guest of honour respectively. 

The mission of LifeConnect Nagaland is to help vulnerable women live a life of dignity and reach their fullest potential.

Addressing the launching programme, Ritse lauded of LifeConnect Nagaland for their meaning contributions towards the healing, restoration and empowerment of women through their creative and productive undertakings, and ensuring holistic development of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and economic wellbeing of women.

Stating that women hold a special place in Naga society, Ritse however said, many end up in vulnerable, unsafe and insecure circumstances. “In such a situation, your caring initiatives are a welcome change towards positive transformation in their lives, giving them a ray of hope by helping them realize their worth and value, and enabling them to live a life of dignity and respect,” she said while acknowledging LifeConnect Nagaland founder Sali Kez Ngully. She encouraged the well wishers to buy ‘Connect Handmade. Naga’ products to support the noble cause of LifeConnect. “It is also a great way to support Made in Nagaland products,” Ritse added. 

Col Rana said “Today, as we celebrate this launch, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where women have the power to define their own success. Let us support their crafts, amplify their voices, and stand in solidarity with initiatives like Connect Handmade. Naga that drive meaningful change.

Maintaining that Connect Handmade. Naga is more than just an initiative, he said “It is a movement that uplifts, strengthens and nurtures the incredible talent of Naga women artisans. It bridges that gap between tradition and modern markers, ensuring that the skill and craftsmanship passed down through generations are not only preserved but also recognized and rewarded.”  By giving women the tools and platforms to showcase their handmade products, this initiative paves the way for economic independence and sustainable livelihood, Col. Rana added.

In support of Connect Homemade. Naga’ initiative, 13th Assam Rifles donated two sewing machines to LifeConnect Nagaland.

Later, Mhonchumo S Lotha, pastor Kohima Lotha Baptist Church pronounced dedicatory prayer. LifeConnect Nagaland Coordinator Charm Pongen delivered welcome address.

‘Connect Handmade. Naga’ products are available at LifeConnect Centre at Kohima Night Bazaar Building, near Max Care Clinic, Midland, Kohima.

LifeConnect Nagaland empowers marginalized, vulnerable women Sali Kez Ngully, Director LifeConnect Nagaland said that Life Connect is a Christian organization dedicated to empowering some of the most marginalized and vulnerable women in the community. LifeConnect Nagaland was officially formed in 2019. “Through a holistic approach, we strive to empower them towards spiritual, economic, physical and emotional well-being,” she said.

We have been able to identify and train many women and girls, equipping them with livelihood skills and confidence to stand on their own feet, Ngully said adding, “We have also been able to help several women involved in illegal liquor trade as well as those suffering from alcoholism to make better choices in life.” Through our programmes, she said, many have taken courageous steps to leave behind harmful practices and embrace positive change. In the process of working with women, we recognise that with emotional and spiritual support, sustainable transformation also requires economic empowerment, she added. 

Ngully said that LifeConnect Nagaland have introduced its new social enterprises “Connect Handmade. Naga” to provide these women with the tools, skills and platform they need to thrive and to earn a dignified livelihood.

Connect Handmade. Naga is the social enterprise of LifeConnect Nagaland, with a vision to combine entrepreneurship with social impact, she said. “This initiative empowers women by providing skills training and income- generation opportunities, enabling them to lead lives of dignity and self- reliance. Our social enterprise focuses on producing high-quality handmade products that reflect the creativity and skills of the women we work with,” Ngully said.

Under the umbrella of Lifeconnect Nagaland, a nonprofit organization, ‘Connect Handmade. Naga’ will operate as a for-profit initiative aimed at generating income, creating livelihoods, and funding our nonprofit programs. Both the nonprofit activities of Lifeconnect Nagaland and the social enterprise initiatives under Connect Handmade Naga prioritize empowering marginalized women, Ngully said.

We believe that by combining nonprofit work with social enterprise, Lifeconnect Nagaland can create lasting change, empowering women and transforming communities across Nagaland, she added.