‘Gender parity key to community development’
Some of the participants of the Antaran weaving workshop on the final day of the International Women’s Day celebration at Seluophe weaving unit on March 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 7
The Amphitheatre at Seluophe was filled with men and women in colorful traditional attires on March 7 as they gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), 2020.
The programme on Saturday was a combined community event for Seluophe, Singrijan and Khopanala with Zhaleo Rio, Advisor Sericulture, Excise and minority Affairs, Government of Nagaland as special guest.
It marked the culmination of the weeklong celebration for IWD organized by the Miqlat Ministry under the aegis of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, in collaboration with the Seluophe, Singrijan and Khopanala Village councils, youth and students’ bodies.
‘Women have, are and will evolve as heroines’
Welcoming the attendees, Asha Sanchu, Director Miqlat Ministry said, “We should put aside all differences and celebrate what brings us together.”
According to Asha, “The reason for celebrating IWD is that despite the huge gender disparity, women have, are and will evolve as heroines.”
Stressing on the ‘Each for Equal’ campaign at the centre of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, Asha highlighted the need to challenge stereotypes and contribute towards creating an equal world.
Asserting that gender parity is the key to village growth and development, Asha also called for a combined effort from community members and leaders, as gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive.
The celebrations serve as a reminder of how far we have come and how far we are yet to go on achieving gender parity, she added.
‘Men and women should work as equal partners’
Special guest Zhaleo Rio, Advisor Sericulture, Excise and minority Affairs, Government of Nagaland, extended greetings to all the women on the occasion. “In the eyes of God, we are all equals.” Zhaleo said, adding that while each individual has different capabilities, men and women should work together as equal partners.
He also spoke on the dignity of labour, and appreciated the initiative of Miqlat Ministry for imparting training to women under the Antaran weaving workshop. He encouraged the women to make use of the opportunity and develop livelihood skills through these initiatives. The Advisor also welcomed the idea of organizing similar programme in other parts of the state in the days to come.
It may be noted that, as part of the celebration, 30 women from Seluophe, Singrijan and Khopanala were trained in back strap weaving by the trainers from North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) during the course of the week, starting from March 1.
Apart from the weaving workshop, several need-based workshops catering to different sections of the community were also conducted every day from March 2 to 6.
Zhaleo attributed qualities like leadership and character building to women and added that Naga women do much better than men in competitive exams. He also spoke on the need to do away with all forms of violence against women and stressed the importance of education and awareness.
Dwelling on 33% reservation in the municipal councils, the Advisor said that Nagaland is missing out on the central funds for municipalities on account of elections not being conducted in the state. “Why ask only for 33%,” Zhaleo asked, while adding that the demand for 33% makes it “difficult to do the math.”
Let us try to start with 15%, he reasoned, highlighting that “we cannot go on without conducting elections indefinitely.” Zhaleo said that the grants-in-aid, funding and facilities are not reaching the state, thereby making the Nagas incur heavy losses.
‘We cannot go forward by looking backwards’
Speaking at the occasion, Rev Dr Wati Aier, Former Principal and Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, OTS, said that while there have been endless talks on gender equality, unless we change our mindset, change cannot occur. “We cannot go forward by looking backwards,” Rev Wati said, referring to the traditional outlook on women as homemakers, with little or no say in the society/ community.
Speaking on the need for public awareness on violence against women, he urged the participants to empower women. “Not protecting women is equivalent to not protecting our own sisters, mothers and daughters,” he said.
“While International Women’s Day has been celebrated all over the world since decades ago, this is the first time a programme like this has been organized in our area,” Tezu Pradhan, Head GB, Singrijan/Khopanala Village Council said.
He welcomed the initiative of Miqlat Ministry and encouraged the men folk to come up with such programme for women in the future. Pradhan also stressed that we should do away with the idea of women being confined to the kitchen. “Not just on land, women are on equal footing with men even in space,” Pradhan said.
Wepfute Chirhah, Chairman Seluophe Village Council thanked the organizers, stating that Seluophe and the neighbouring areas have benefitted from the event. He thanked Zhaleo Rio for inaugurating the Seluophe Village Council hall earlier during the day.
A prayer of blessing was led by Kelhouneino Women President, Christ King Church Seluophe.
The programme was marked by various cultural presentations by womenfolk from Singrijan, Khopanala and Seluophe villages. Ilitoli Kumsu Shohe, first runner up of the first edition of Naga Idol, also presented a song on the occasion.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Vezokholü Kezo, Women Pastor Chakhesang Baptist Church, Seluophe while Musilo, Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church Seluophe pronounced the benediction.
