Dr Chumben Murry along with DC Wokha Vineet Kumar, other officials, organisations and Women participants during the Women’s Day celebration at Tiyi Hall on March 8. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | March 8
Wokha District marked International Women’s Day under the theme ‘For All Women & Girls: Rights, Equality: Empowerment’ with Dr Chumben Murry, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, as the special guest at Tiyi Hall on March 8.
Drawing on his experience as a genealogist, Dr Murry noted that hospital visits and institutional deliveries among women, which were once far less common, have markedly increased. While acknowledging these advances, he stressed the continued need for awareness, particularly in areas like family planning, as crucial elements of women’s well-being.
Dr Murry shared data revealing that the literacy rate among Naga women stood at 76.11% as per the 2011 Census, with the gender parity index in higher education at 93.80%. Between 2021 and 2023, the enrolment of Naga women in tertiary education reached 56.96%, and their participation in the government workforce was at 44%. He noted that these figures reflect the growing participation of Naga women in education and the workforce, underscoring the strides made toward gender equality.
Dr Murry pointed out that women are often excluded from community land wealth and urged that these issues be addressed openly for greater fairness and inclusion. He encouraged women to increase their involvement in politics and advocacy, which would further enhance their representation and rights.
Acknowledging that Nagaland is one of the safest states for women in India, Dr Murry called for vigilance in ensuring that incidents of violence against women are reported and addressed promptly. He also celebrated women’s contributions to the economy, highlighting their prominent roles in business, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, which contribute significantly to economic growth.
Concluding his address, Dr Murry highlighted the importance of women being assertive, empowered, and determined to achieve greater heights. Recognising the role of laws and government schemes in uplifting women, he urged women to actively engage in their own empowerment and not rely solely on external provisions.
In his keynote address, Vineet Kumar (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Wokha highlighted the success of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
He noted the progress made in Nagaland, with women’s participation in the workforce rising from 16% in 2011 to 27% in 2023, a rate of growth that surpasses the national average. However, Kumar pointed out that while these developments are encouraging, there remains much work to be done to reach the target of 45-50% workforce participation.
Thungbeni Ngullie, President, Lotha Eloe Hoho, also addressed the gathering, praised the resilience, strength, and contributions of women worldwide. She noted that Women’s Day is not merely a celebration but a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. Ngullie encouraged women to continue inspiring others and to teach the next generation, daughters and sons, the significance of equality.
In her address, Cheliam Khiamniungan, Judicial Magistrate First Class and Secretary of the Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA), highlighted the need for stronger protection of women from abuse, including domestic violence and sexual harassment. She underlined the importance of government initiatives such as the Victim Compensation Scheme and other protective measures aimed at improving the status of women.
Earlier, 9 Anganwadi workers and 14 ASHA workers were felicitated for their exceptional service.
The programme was chaired by Renthunglo Kikon, Centre Administrator, SAKHI-OSC, welcome address by C James B Ezung, District Programme Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Wokha.
Ongarhoni, Caseworker at the Child Helpline, DCPU, provided an awareness session on Child Helpline 1098. The event also featured a special performance, "Everything That Glitters," by Merithung Lotha, Gender Specialist at DHEW, and a short play by students from Santsuo School, Wokha.
The celebrations concluded with a special performance by N Chompen Jami and vote of thanks by Renbomo Ezung, NCS, ADC Wokha.
