Morung Express News
Kigwema | March 8
Under the theme, ‘Pledge for Parity’, the International Women’s Day was celebrated at Japfü Christian College (JCC), Kigwema.
In her keynote address, Daisy Mezhür, Director, State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), mentioned the contribution of men in empowering women and asserted, “Gender equality and women empowerment will not take place without the support of our men.”
The status and position of Naga women and girls are always considered to be better than women and girls in other states, however, Mezhür affirmed that there is still a huge disparity between men and women in Naga society. “It’s good from far but when you come nearer it’s far from good,” said Mezhür, who also emphasized on sexual abuses in the State which is a major concern. She highlighted that sexual abuses occur not just in colleges, but in schools and homes, where in many cases the supposedly protectors of the girl child are often abusers. Urging for the economic empowerment of women in Naga society, Mezhür appealed to parents that the best gift they can give to their girl child is education and that to forge forward, women must support each other.
Speaking on Achieving Parity through livelihood intervention, R. Khrienuo Tachu, Additional Director, Women Resource Development highlighted the livelihood programs and schemes of Women Resource Development in Nagaland.
Dr. Visakhonü Hibo, Principal, JCC stated that the college established the Sexual Harassment/ Women Cell in 2010 with a motive to build a conscientious awareness among the men and women in the college and also carry across the UGC’s desire where every men and women are able to pursue education with dignity. The cell highlights and educates on different forms of sexual harassment, especially to the men and boys, which Hibo referred as innocent acts like eve teasing which are widely accepted in the Naga society but can get people into trouble outside one’s own society. While wishing the students on the International Women’s Day, Hibo also urged them to break out of traditional mindsets, educate both men and women sensibly and “walk that complete complementary walk” instead of waging war against each other. Also appreciating the media, Hibo noted that the media played the constructive role of gender parity.
The event was organised by the State Resource Centre for Women, Nagaland State Social Welfare, Department of Women Resource Development, and Japfü Christian College.
