Morung Express News
Kohima | March 28
Nagaland Governor, K. Sankaranarayanan today called upon the newly constituted Nagaland State Commission for Women to play the role of inquiry and discovery, advocacy and educating, formulate policy and be a catalyst for social change.
“The society will benefit by associating women in new roles. The women commission can help make women equal partners in Nagaland’s progress into the 21st century,” the Governor said at the formal launching ceremony of the Nagaland State Commission for Women here at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan.
Laying emphasis on education for girls, the Governor requested the chairperson and the members of the commission to “go and work with women in the villages”. He also noted the important issues raised by some of the speakers for due consideration by the Government.
“When we look at the status of women in the Naga society, a mixed picture emerges, “ he said adding on the positive side, childbirth here is relatively healthier, with fewer mothers and babies at risk of death compared with the national average.
If the higher rate of unassisted childbirths could be reduced, the situation would improve further, he said adding social discrimination against women “is less.” They are also not burdened by the dowry system.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acknowledged the valuable contributions made by Naga women in many fields.
Rio also assured to extend all possible support to protect the rights and privileges of women in Nagaland and see that the Naga women play an equal role and contribute towards the progress of the state.
He expressed concern over an issue raised by another speaker on prevalence of female foeticide and said this would be looked into.
Banuo Z. Jamir, Principal Secretary (Home) said that the launching of the State Commission for Women was a milestone in the history of women in Nagaland adding that it speaks of the determination, resolve and above all patience of women to attain this. She said that “men and women respond and react to situations and relationships in different manner because we are created differently – if we can recognise that we complement each other rather than compete with each other, we can work as equals with our differences so that the best and most can be done for the community and the society”.
Rosemary Dzüvichü, Expert Member, National Commission for Women raised serious issues concerning the plight of women in Nagaland and asked among others for the adoption of the State Policy for Women at the earliest.
D.K. Bhalla, Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare and Women Development in his keynote address stated that a statutory body in Nagaland was long felt to investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women in Nagaland.
He hoped that all Naga women would take advantage of the Commission, not only to redress their grievances, but also to add to their opportunities and establish their rights.
The function was chaired by Sano Vamuzo, Chairperson, NSCW and the welcome address was given by Abeni T.C.K., Member NSCW. Rev. Deo Vihienu, state chaplain said a prayer. A special song was presented by the Post Graduate Students, Nagaland University, Kohima campus and vote of thanks was delivered by Ellen Konyak, Member NSCW.
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