Moala Kashung
It is a fact that the modern era is the result of various influences working together. The increase of knowledge, the new social order, the development of new internationalism are some of the outstanding landmarks of the new era, whether we welcome or dislike them they have come to stay…
Along with them has come a change, pregnant with possibilities a change which is altering the whole basis of human life and silently reforming for good or bad each one of us. The change is nothing other than position of women in the social, political, economical and spiritual spheres. The old philosophies, “He for God only, and she for God in him, he the bread winner, she the housewife…” are abandoned. They are now admitted to equal citizenship with men.
Women are discharging duties which a generation ago was denied to them. A man is treated by a woman Doctor, advised by a woman lawyer, addressed by a woman Journalists. He buys things manufactured by women.
As has already been said, the idea that woman must be dependent either as spinster upon relatives or as wife upon the husband is already falsified. It is now realized that we can reach without serious catastrophe a level on which equal partnership between the two sexes could be attained, a the endowment of mother-hood is the chief but not the sole or only profession for women.
Having said much in general, let us turn to our Naga community and see whether any improvement has come to women’s condition. Unlike the other women in India, the Naga women are very far from being slaves or drudges. Her position from the beginning is with inferior to that of man. All her life a woman enjoys a considerable freedom. A girl is given freedom to choose her own husband and the dowry system is unknown. There is in general, join authority and responsibility between husband and wife.
No doubt the women have more freedom when compared to that of plain women. We have to admit with an impartial mind that the coming of Christianity along with education has considerably improved and is improving the condition of women in Naga society Naga women are realizing their own values and they are trying to develop their personality as well as status.
Indeed, Naga women can successfully do both tough and long courses of study, discharge significant service in their own professions: in politics, in social services, medical science etc. Let us be proud of it. However if plain women, who are being kept under Purdah systems can achieve so much and raise their status, the Naga women who are given much more freedom in social life should be to excel the rest of the women in any field. In order to do that we need strong determination and commitment to the profession we enter.
The Church also has to contribute her share to women’s combined efforts success. It is high time for church to think seriously about restrictions she has imposed on women entering to full-time ministry because of their sex. Where a woman shows that she is being called by God and is capable and committed, the church should not refuse her valuable services on the sole ground that she is not a man.
In my conclusion, women’s organizations as well as individuals should be on the alert to use every ounce of opportunity they get in public life. Most importantly, imparting higher education to talented sisters should be encouraged. Looking unto Christ our Savior and redeemer of our nations, let us join our hands as sisters in Christ and in blood, and march towards our goal. Victory is ours! Kuknalim.
(Courtesy: NWUM Magazine)
