Chizami, January 3 (MExN): Chizami village, known as a progressive trend-setter in the area in particular and Nagaland in general, added another feather to its illustrious cap by electing a first female president of the village students’ body.
After 75 years of its existence, Khrolhiwe-u (Awi) Tsuhah was elected as the first Female President of Chizami Students' Union on December 28, 2021.
According to a press release, the new CSU team led by Awi was commissioned by Colo Mero and his team, who is also a strong advocate for gender equality and women's right.
As per the release, Awi completed her Masters of Social Work in 2015 from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai University with her specialization in Community Organization & Development Practice.
A UGC NET qualified scholar, she is currently the Project Associate at NEIDA and has more than 6 years of professional experience in the development sector working with communities, diverse governments and civil societies on issues of groundwater management, water security and climate change in the Himalayan mountain states of India.
She also volunteers in various local organizations at the grassroots level - churches, students, women and young people, the release said, citing her area of interest includes groundwater, environment, research, youth, women, children, community organization & sustainable livelihood, organizing events and travelling.
Before her latest appointment in the CSU, Awi was the union’s general secretary and was also a organising committee member of its 75th-anniversary celebration held on December 21, 2021.
Meanwhile, after assuming the new role, she urged every well-wisher to contribute and help the community not only in words but also in deeds.
With her vast experience in social service, Awi also stressed on nurturing and building young leaders.
"Now is the time to shift our leadership, and it starts from the grassroots level," she added.
She also acknowledged her sisters - Akole Tsuhah the State Coordinator, NEN Nagaland and her cousin Seno Tsuhah, the founder of NEN Nagaland, torchbearers for women rights and social services in the region, as her aspiration.
"I acknowledge the amazing women who have paved the way for the young girls/women and the incredible support of Chizami menfolk for advocating gender equality and giving space for women at the decision making processes and beyond," she noted.
She also expressed her gratitude and excitement as her team takes over the office and appealed to everyone to support the students' community as they are the future and the backbone of the society.
"I am humbled by the support from all corners; I praise God for this opportunity as we take our first step towards our goals." A decade ago, Chizami village council also made history by deciding to implement equal pay wage for both genders, the release added.
