Kohima, October 8 (DIPR): Speaking at the inaugural session of the Consultative Meet with civil societies and tribal hohos on Ownership of land and its resources and municipal elections & women reservation at the Heritage Bamboo Hall, Kisama on October 8, Chairperson, Nagaland State Women Commission, Sano Vamuzo pointed out that reservation for women is the first step towards equality for women in the decision making bodies. Appreciating the Government of Nagaland for the amendment to the Nagaland Municipal Act 2006, which has guaranteed 33% reservation of seats for women in all town councils and municipalities, she further emphasized that the scenario of women empowerment through reservation must be implemented by the Government at the earliest, stating that the women representation from all the tribes had resolved that they want 33% reservation in Town and Municipal Councils.
Vamuzo informed that reservation for women has brought positive changes in neighbouring states like Assam, Arunachal and Tripura where Tripura has taken the lead with 50% reservation for women in municipalities. Sano Vamuzo also exhorted the women to address and prepare themselves so as to present them more effectively to the wider audience of the society. ‘Being conscious of our place in society and being competent, conscientious and respectful are important factors for us to keep in mind’, she maintained. She further pointed out that reservation is constitutional and no power or authority can nullify the provisions of the Constitution. Stating that land acquisition Act creates serious concerns regarding women’s future and their access to land and resources, Vamuzo felt that the Government to take the views of stakeholders and thoroughly debate on these crucial issues for the good of our Naga people.
