Veteran Journalist, Monalisa Changkija received her award Advisor, Wangpang Konyak during the International Women’s Day celebration at Kohima on March 8.
Veteran Journalist Monalisa Changkija and Award-Winning Author Easterine Kire conferred with NSCW Excellence Award
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 8
Veteran journalist Monalisa Changkija and award-winning poet, novelist, and writer Easterine Kire have been conferred with the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Excellence Award 2025.
Incidentally, this is the first time in 93 years, since the first newspapers were published in 1932, that journalistic work has received such state-level landmark recognition, while awards for literature have been inconsistent, at best.
The duo was conferred the award during the International Women’s Day celebration under the theme ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ held at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on March 8.
In her acceptance speech, Changkija, Editor of Nagaland Page with a 40-year career in journalism, acknowledged the NSCW on behalf of the Nagaland media community for being the first governmental and non-governmental entity to recognise and honour a member of the community at the State level.
“This is a first in the history of Nagaland and the State media, which began with the publication of Ao Milen and Kewhira Dielie in 1932, as per available documentary accounts,” she maintained.
This recognition, she asserted, is a proud moment and an honour not only for her individually but for the entire media fraternity of Nagaland, while pointing out, "Finally, after 93 years, the existence of the media in Nagaland is being acknowledged."
“This award signals that the State media is doing something right, as it also encourages and motivates us to evolve further and press forward. This award also underscores women upholding women,” Changkija stated.
Meanwhile, she also emphasised the importance of women supporting one another to strengthen, lift up, and uphold each other, and women across the globe to claim ‘our’ personhood and help each other script irrefutable and inerasable histories.
Changkija also addressed the persistent challenge of imposed silence faced by women in various spheres—politically, economically, socially, traditionally, and culturally.
“Ours too is a society that decrees women to be seen and to do but not speak and be heard,” she said, stressing the need to break free from the shackles of silence as no one will unshackle this silence for ‘us.’
Besides healthy self-esteem, self-confidence, self-respect, dignity, and a firm belief that ‘we’ have what it takes to achieve our dreams and aspirations and fully realise our potential, she held.
Changkija further noted that one of the fundamental requirements to break this shackle is bolstering ‘our’ constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression, which is vital to nurture and strengthen genuine and enduring democracy, especially in a society and state like ‘ours.’
Meanwhile, in the absence of Kire, her daughter-in-law received the award. The noted Naga author also received the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2024 for her novel Spirit Nights at an award ceremony held in New Delhi.
A Alemla Chang from Changsang Thangjam Setshang (CTS) received the NSCW Award 2025 for her commitment, leadership, and service rendered in the state.
Other recipients of the Self-Help Group (SHG) Women Achievers by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission included Sangwa SHG from Changki Village, Mangkolemba RD Block, Mokokchung under the group category; A Nepe Konyak of Monyakshu Village, Tobu RD Block, a person with disability, was awarded the most inspiring job placement under DDUGKY; Khrieleno Seletsu of Pfuchama village, Jakhama RD Block, Kohima as a social change-maker; Mira Singh of Roshini SHG, Sangtamtilla village as the most successful loan beneficiary; Lakhpatti Didi award to Yilabeni Ezung from Senthan SHG, Longsa village, Wokha block; and most enterprising SHG woman to Khetoli Awomi of Aichisaghemi village, Suruhuto RD Block.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak, highlighted the day as a moment to acknowledge the ‘resilience, strength, sacrifice, and contribution’ of women, not just in Nagaland, but globally.
Reiterating the State Government’s commitment to empower women through the various schemes launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, he said empowering women is a necessity for building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
“We need to renew our commitment to creating a future where every woman can prosper, free from discrimination and with equal opportunities to succeed,” Konyak stated.
Highlighting the challenges faced by women, he emphasised the need to renew ‘our’ commitment to creating a future where every woman can prosper, free from discrimination and with equal opportunities to succeed.
He celebrated recent milestones of women in Nagaland, including the election of first two female lawmakers to the State Assembly, 37% representation of women in urban local body elections above the mandated 33%, the historic appointment of Yarenjungla as the first female judge of the Gauhati High Court, and Kire’s Sahitya Akademi Award 2024.
Konyak affirmed that his department is giving its best towards women empowerment and called for a collective drive for meaningful change to ensure women’s voices are “heard, valued, and empowered.”
Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, Martha R Ritse also spoke on the occasion. The program was jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare, SHEW-SANKALP, Mission Shakti, Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and Kohima Municipal Council.
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