Sisterhood Network Director Azungla James receives the ‘Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment – Special Jury Award 2026’ on September 26.
Kohima, September 28 (MExN): Nagaland-based Sisterhood Network (SN) has been honoured with the ‘Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment – Special Jury Award 2026’ for its work towards women’s equality and improving the social and economic well-being of women. The award was presented during the 10th Martha Farrell Award Ceremony held at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi, on September 26. The annual award recognises individuals and organisations working to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Founded in 2001 in Nagaland by Dr Alongla Aier, Emeritus English professor at Oriental Theological Seminary, Sisterhood Network began its work with marginalised women and has since expanded its grassroots initiatives across 12 villages, with a presence in various districts of the State. According to SN, its work includes livelihood restoration, skill development, education, gender-based violence awareness, capacity-building, leadership development, participatory research on development justice, legal literacy, survivor support and initiatives to create gender-sensitive workplaces.
The organisation stated that its community-led programmes have contributed to the economic autonomy of around 1,500 women, while its Livelihood Skills Training Programme has reached more than 310 girls and its education initiatives have benefited over 600 children. Its initiatives also include the establishment of Nteuki (People’s House) community resource centre, 16 Meraki (House of Learning) children’s clubs across 16 villages, female-friendly toilets aimed at promoting awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, emergency assistance and collaboration with local authorities on issues including human trafficking and the COVID-19 response.
SN has also worked to promote women's participation in village-level decision-making and has been involved in participatory research and development initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The Martha Farrell Foundation received 139 nominations for individuals and 117 nominations for organisations from across India for this year's award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sisterhood Network Director Azungla James said the recognition represented the collective efforts of those who had worked alongside the organisation. “This award is an affirmation that two decades of resilience and commitment to dignity, equity and empathy have not been in vain,” she said.
James added that the recognition would inspire SN to continue working towards “building safer, more equitable communities for women and children.” The award was received by James and presented by Gangapriya Chakraverti, India Site Head and Managing Director, Ford Motor Company.
