Participants at the 90.8 Hills FM Nagaland Community Radio’s celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 10
Women from varied spheres of life who gathered at The White Owl, Chümoukedima on March 8, for a day of ‘meaningful connections,’ recognised the need for both men and women to progress together in order to meaningfully achieve gender equality. The discussions were held as part of the 90.8 Hills FM Nagaland Community Radio’s celebration of International Women’s Day.
On the occasion, as keynote speaker, Nagaland Lokayukta Banuo Z Jamir noted that women in Nagaland have risen up on several levels and they have taken the mantle for many fields of life that were formerly only considered to be ‘men’s work.’ This year’s International Women’s Day bears even more significance because of the success of Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu Kense who have been elected as the first women representatives to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Terming it as a historic occasion, Jamir stated that their success is not just for women, “it is for Nagas in general because it indicates a step forward.”
Banuo Z Jamir also touched upon the theme for this year’s celebration ‘Digit All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ and how important it is to have access to technology especially in these modern times. The digital world, she maintained, provides a level playing field for everybody as it does not differentiate between genders, class, education, etc, and is available to everyone. Even a simple device like the smart phone empowers a person by way of helping them communicate with others, gather information and knowledge on any topic, and even operate businesses.
Further, the speaker also observed that most times, occasions International Women’s Day are celebrated only among women and men seldom take part in dialogues. While conversations between women are important, it is equally important for men to take part in these conversations in order for them to also understand what it is that women require and become meaningful supporters of gender equality and equity. She also acknowledged that her long career as a bureaucrat in Nagaland would not have been possible without the support of the men in both her personal and professional life. A good support system is crucial in order to ensure gender equality, she added.
Another guest speaker, Neitho Rio Achumi, an award winning bodybuilder, also shared her experiences as she navigated through a profession that was primarily seen as a man’s domain. Recounting her experiences, she observed that a support base, in the form of her husband, family, and her coaches were what drove her to take part in competitions and eventually reach where she is at present.
Over the course of the conversations, prominent social worker and Director of Prodigals Home, K Ela noted that the men in Naga society are often being sidelined in the quest for ‘women empowerment’ and the gaps between the two are widening alarmingly. Similar views were expressed by other participants who opined that there are a plethora of schemes available for women in various sectors including health, education and even in industries whereas the same are not extended towards their male counterparts.
Towards this end, the keynote speaker, while clarifying that it was not to target any political party, emphasised that the election promise to provide free education for all women from kindergarten to post graduate level was a matter of concern. The literacy gap between men and women would only be widened if such a policy is implemented without ensuring that men are also being given equal opportunity to pursue academics.
Meanwhile, during the event, free sanitary napkins were distributed by Boditive, Nagaland’s first sanitary pad brand owned by Avitoli Yeptho. A message from India Post was also read out by Vitono Gugu Haralu of 90.8 Hills FM Nagaland. Greeting the women present there, India Post also highlighted its various life insurance policies and facilities for women. All details are available on its website: www.indiapost.gov.in, it added.
Notably, the event was held free-of-cost at The White Owl and the participants contributed ‘picnic baskets’ for lunch, making it a ‘transaction-free’ event.
