International Day of Rural Women was celebrated by members of Sisterhood Network at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on October 15. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 15
In observance of International Day of Rural Women (IDRW), Sisterhood Network organised a cultural-cum-discussion programme at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on October 15.
The event was held under the theme, “Rural women sustaining nature for our collective future: building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment.” A total of eight villages from across Dimapur and the adjoining districts took part which included, Chungaizaeng, Suhoi, Aoyim, Deizephe, Bade, Jalukiezangdi, Beisumpuikam and Samzuiram.
Delivering the main address on gender equality and empowerment for sustainable development, Arenzungla Jamir of Sisterhood Network emphasized the need to nurture inclusive participation and leadership. For this, she mentioned that women needed have an access to space where they are able to gather and discuss on issues concerning them. “Especially in the rural villages where on several instances there were no spaces available for the women folk to hold meetings or events,” she highlighted.
She stated that when it comes to women living in rural areas, one of the various challenges is employment opportunities, access to proper education and health facilities that leads to gender gaps between men.
IDRW is aimed at celebrating the lives of rural women and recognizing the immense contributions they make for the society and family. She mentioned that the day is also meant to remind each one of the Sustainable Development Goals as laid out by the United Nations (UN), including gender quality, improving food security and food nutrition.
As such, she laid out several recommendations such as, holding comprehensive awareness programmes at the grassroots, inclusive decision making for women and promote gender-responsive policies, international collaboration to build support networks across the globe, accountability mechanisms. Another crucial area was on building an inclusive water management particularly women so that their rights, needs and perspectives are considered.
Correct resource allocation, prioritizing universal access to safe and affordable water, synergize water, ecosystems and climate initiatives among others.
A discussion on gender equality and powerful was held during the programme with Thongwangliu, President of Samzuiram Women Society sharing about the challenges and struggles faced by the womenfolk at the village level. She mentioned that in her village, there is lack of platform available to give a voice to them. “We are not even included in the village council,” she revealed.
Although women contribute a lot in terms of work and taking care of the family. One of the particular struggles is the lack of access to water in her village, she stated.
She emphasised the need to educate women folk be it with help and support from NGOs or civil societies so as to promote further gender equality and women empowerment.
Abuale, secretary of Beisumpuikam Women Society shared about the positive changes brought about through the recent assistance provided by Sisterhood Network and how it has paved way for women of her village to be a part of the decision making process in the village council.
Irali member of Qholu Women Group Suhoi stressed the need to break gender stereotypes. Gender equality must become a life reality while closing the gaps between them, she added.
Several traditional dance and songs were performed by womenfolk from the participating villages.
