On Women’s Day, Nagaland champions ‘Gender Equality’
St John’s School, Diphupar ‘B’ celebrated International Women’s’ Day on March 7 and honoured the female teachers. The theme given for the year 2020 “EachForEqual” was elucidated by the Headmaster, Johny Abraham. Gender inequality in the family was enacted by the class 10 students. Speech was delivered by Wonjano by stating that “women should help other women to shattered all the stereotypes and taboos placed by the society”. (Photo Courtesy: St John’s School)
Dimapur, March 8 (MExN): As countries around the world celebrated International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8, different communities and gatherings hosted events here in various parts of Nagaland.
This year’s theme, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” called for “bringing together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country, to drive actions that will create the gender-equal world we all deserve.”
Pfütsero: ‘If I were the Chief Minister of Nagaland, I will give monthly income support of Rs. 1000 to all women farmers. I will build roads that will make citizens feel as though they are in heaven. I will build markets for women vendors who sell organic and local products. I will straighten the Ministers who are crooked…’ quips Keyishe amidst the laughter of 150 women in Pfütsero.
Keyishe is SEWA member, farmer- weaver in Pfütsero who was participating in the extempore speech competition along with other 8 women during the International Women’s Day celebration at Pfütsero. Other speakers shared their opinions and dreams of development in their town and State, of wanting market sheds for women, good transport services, good governance etc.
North East Network (NEN) with the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Pfütsero unit observed the International Women’s Day (IWD) with the theme “Generation Equality – Realising Women’s Rights’ at Town Hall, Pfütsero on March 8. Around 150 women participated in the programme. Phuleshe K. Yepthomi, ADC Pfütsero graced the event as the special guest.
Wekoweu Tsuhah, State Director, NEN Nagaland in her keynote address highlighted a brief history of IWD, Beijing Platform for Action + 25 years, and what the theme ‘Generation Equality – realising Women’s Rights’ means. Equal sharing of unpaid work and domestic work, ending sexual harassment and all forms of Violence against Women, equal participation in decision making and political life were some of the demands of ‘Generation Equality’ shared. To achieve a more gender equal and just world, concerted effort has to be taken by diverse stakeholders including women and men, Communities, Church, NGOs, and the Government. Addressing the gathering, Phuleshe acknowledged that women lay a crucial role in moulding the children and they can play a significant role in creating a more equal world. This he said, can begin from the family by treating both daughters and sons equally, by not reinforcing gender norms on them. He asserted that women have a right to be treated with equal respect, and both men and women should look up to each other as equal partners to build a better society.
Neingupeu Kazhie Rhakho, Women Secretary, CBCC in her short speech encouraged the Pfutsero women who, through their hard labour are sustaining their families and communities. She called on them to be like Lydia in the Bible, who was a God-fearing woman and a successful business woman. ‘If one puts God first in whatever work one does, whether in farming or business or in any other job, one will have a productive life’ she added.
Also addressing the gathering, Seno Tsuhah, Director-Programmes, NEN reminded that women have been sustaining families by tilling the lands, producing food, weaving, vending and yet they remain unrecognised. She pointed that women’s increasing work burden of women can be addressed only when we start training our sons to also share responsibilities in domestic and care work. Learning such skills will not only empower him but will pave the way towards a gender equal world.
Dr. Hannah Krujia, ACTO Agronomy, ICAR-KVK, Porba emphasised on the importance of eating healthy and nutritious food. She strongly advised the women to abstain from the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and DDT on their farms as they are harmful to the health of the people and the environment. She encouraged them to adopt nutrition/ kitchen gardens to have access to healthy food as well as improve one’s economy. She also shared information on various schemes that can be availed by women farmers. Other highlights of the event include an extempore speech competition, special numbers by SEWA, Reku Unit (NAP unit) and Metsheteu Kreo. Vethipalu Rose, Pastor (Women), Immanuel Baptist Church Pfütsero pronounced the invocation and Vekholu Wezah delivered the vote of thanks.
Chesezu village: Chesezu village under Phek district commemorated the International Women's Day at the village panchayat hall.
The event was organized by Chesezu Women Society and supported by Bangalore based campaign group, ‘Our Young Voices’, with the theme "I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights".
The event was held with travel writer Nokho Nyekha as the resource person. She stressed on the need to create a space where gender does not bind anybody from expressing themselves and chasing their dreams. Emphasis was laid on understanding the rights of women according to the theme laid down by the United Nations, and finding solutions to the pressing issues relating to the existent customary laws, and the need to uphold traditions whilst creating more inclusive avenues for women.
Nezelu Nyekha, Associate Director, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) and Sekulu Nyekha, Director, Our Young Voices also spoke at the event.
St Xavier Catholic Church Kidima: St Xavier Catholic Church Kidima celebrated International Women's Day with Reverend Father Raymond D’ Souza SJ, Director of Eden Gander and Children’s Home, Khuzama, India as chief celebrant along with Rev Fr Ravinder SJ, Loyola College, Vijayawadam, Andhra Pradesh on March 8. Special number was presented by women, Eucharist was offered and shared the joy and happiness were the highlights of the daylong celebration.
Unity College: Unity College, Dimapur celebrated International women's Day on March 7, on the theme, “I am generation equality: Realizing Women's Right” in the college campus by Women Cell under IQAC. The male members of the college were given the privilege to conduct the program. Dr Lichumo Ennie, Principal, Unity College and Dr Haokip, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science spoke on the empowerment of women and gender equality. Itoka Achumi of BA 4th semester presented a song epitomizing the gracefulness of a women. The program was chaired by A Zuchobemo Odyou of BA 4th semester.
JN Aier College: The Red Ribbon Club in collaboration with IQAC of JN Aier College observed International Women's Day at the college premises on March 6. Keleseno, Asst Professor of Education Department spoke on the theme ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights.' Khenili Kiho, Nodal Officer of RRC, spoke on the status and the violence against women in Nagaland. The male students and staff members also undertook a pledge vowing to respect and treat women in their equal status, and also to say 'No' to violence against women.
Namghar High School: The Namghar High School, Dimapur has observed International Women’s Day in the school premises on March 7. Some of the highlights of the event were group song on women empowerment by boys of class 8,9 and 10, followed by speech on the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” delivered by Nitai Acharjee, Senior teacher, as a mark of respect to the women community followed by a light refreshment.
Naga Women Hoho Dimapur: As the world celebrates International Women’s Day to honor the remarkable contribution of women to society as well as celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) expressed appreciation, love and respect to every woman for their selfless sacrifice and contribution. The NWHD also encouraged every woman to continue to be an inspiration and uplift society in every possible way.
Tuensang: International Women’s Day celebration was observed in Tuensang town on March 8 at Khiamniungan Baptist Church organized jointly by Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Tuensang district, Mahila Shakti Kendra and Baptist Youth Fellowship, Tuensang Town. Shelley Katiry, SDO (Civil) & Nodal Officer, BBBP Tuensang delivered the greetings. Dr. Pritpal Kaur, IPS SDPO Tuensang spoke on ‘What International Women Day means to me’. In his message on the topic, ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights’, the speaker Apong Yimchunger, Associate Pastor, Yimchunger Baptist Church, Tuensang Town said that both the women and men are endowed with the same responsibility as far as realizing women’s rights is concerned. He therefore challenged both the genders to live up to this challenge and also encouraged both men and women to coexist as equal partners.
A brief highlight of BBBP was presented by Songmao M, Women Welfare Officer, District Level Centre for Women. Short speeches were also delivered by President of Akheta Sangtamlarü Thsingmujang (AST) and Maj. Rathore from 7 Sector, Assam Rifles. Altogether more than 1000 people representing all the affiliated Baptist churches of Tuensang town participated in the event.
DUDA Kohima: The Self Help Group - Day - NULM celebrated 'International Women's Day under the theme Beti Bachao, Beti Padao at DPDB's Conference Hall, Kohima on March 7. The programme was organised by the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Kohima under the aegis of State Urban Development Agency, informed a DIPR report.
On the occasion, ADC Kohima & DUDA Chairman, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa said that the day also commemorates the inspiring role of women around the world to secure women's rights and build more equitable societies.
She thus called upon the gathering to know their important role in the society and be committed towards accelerating women's equality in building a better generation.
The ADC also enlightened on the PM-SYM and NPS-Traders schemes, which are meant for their old age protection and social security welfare, urging them to avail the opportunity and get themselves enrolled.
Highlighting on the two schemes, Kevilhoubei Theünuo, Inspector from Labour Department said that it is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, where one has to contribute monthly as per their age from the date of joining till the age of 60 years while the Central Government will also give equal matching contribution in his/her pension account. After attaining 60 years of age, the subscriber would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000 per month and if the subscriber passes away, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension as family pension.
District Manager Common Service Centre (CSC), Nganuo Kielienyu also enlightened on the CSCs located at various places to facilitate the people. The day was also marked by the SHGs taking pledge on gender equality under the theme.
Human Rights Law Network: Human Rights Law Network in collaboration with Family Planning Association of India commemorated International Women’s Day at Jakhama Village. Speaking on the need for Realising Women’s Rights, Advocate Neiteo Koza, State Director of Human Rights Law Network said that though there are many women who had achieved strides under different fields yet steps to empower women especially the lesser privileged women at all levels. She said that globally women face various form of violence which is not uncommon even in the state of Nagaland.
She urged the womenfolk to be vigilant and be aware of the prevailing laws for their welfare and safety.
Ville Rhetso, Counselor, FPA India speaking on ‘Women's health and empowerment’ shared some health challenges women face in her life time which affects her education and career.
She mentioned the cultural sensitivity related with the natural and biological process of menstruation and informed the women not to consider it as dirty or shameful she also provided tips on menstrual hygiene and ways of disposing sanitary pads.
Ville also briefed the participants on the importance of solar power and mentioned that SELCO is partnering with FPA India in promoting solar energy.
Kikrukhonuo Pfukha, Advocate stressed on the significance of observing the Day. The programme was chaired by Akangkokla, Program Officer, FPA India, welcome Address was delivered by Hovisale Khatso, Advisor Jakhama Women Society. Vote of thanks was proposed also by Viswepranuo Rolnu, Chairperson Jakhama Women Society. Meanwhile Vikuonuo Sachu, Miss Nagaland 2019 also gave a short speech.
KVK Mon: Kristi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mon celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 at KVK Office, Aboi with the theme ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights’.
Altogether, 61 women including Anganwadi workers, Medical department members, teachers and civil society members etc attended the programme which was chaired by Dr Paihem Michui, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Animal Science). Dr Manoj Singh Sachan, ACTO (Genetics & Plant Breeding), shared the methodology about setting up of nutritional garden, which is a kind of backyard kitchen garden. He also introduced the food values of different plants species suitable for the garden through his presentation, to ensure a balanced and safe diet. He emphasized on nutritional dish highlighting the importance of maintaining nutritional dish for healthy life by choosing low cost and locally/ seasonally available vegetables, fruits, pulses, cereals etc.
KVK Longleng: In Longleng, ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Longleng organized and celebrated IWD on the theme ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights’ on March 8 at Hupkhang village council hall.
68 women participated in the programme which began with a welcome speech and key note address by Dr K L Meena, Senior scientist and Head KVK Longleng.
He elaborated about women’s participation in community building and women’s right. Technical Officer R Yumi also emphasised on empowerment of women in the 21st century.
A Namei SRF delivered a presentation on nutrition of kitchen gardening. Input seeds of seasonal vegetable crops were distributed to the participants, KVK Longleng informed in a press release on Sunday.
NEISSR: NEISSR observed the International Women's Day at the college campus underlining the need for gender justice and equality for responding to the present day socio-economic and political situation in Naga society in particular and across countries in general.
A debate competition on the motion ‘Men are better than women in decision making’ was organized by the Gender Champions of the Institute. Tokupu Chophi, MSW trainee speaking against the motion and Imlisunep speaking in favour were declared the best debaters by the Jury members and certificates we're distributed.
Ashiizo Lohe, leader of the Gender Champions team was the Moderator of the debating competition. Dr. Deben Sharma, Sungjemtola Jamir and Stephen Gangmei, faculty members of the Institute were jury members of the debate. The debate was set between two teams of five debaters each speaking for and against the motion. The two teams faced against one another in four rounds with batteries of strong arguments quoting from cultural histories and empirical research findings on gender issues.
Giving closing remarks to the debate on behalf of the Jury, Dr Deben congratulated the Gender Champions and debating teams for engaging in well-informed debating drawing knowledge from various reliable sources and enriching the audience. He also said that any debating competition on issues that divide people in the society must end by discovering the complimentary of different sections of society rather than highlighting the differences. So he highlighted the importance of gender equality and equity for social justice in addressing myriad problems in the contemporary society. Men and women have to walk shoulder to shoulder to ensure sustainable peace and justice in the society
Dr Fr CP Anto, the principal NEISSR giving the vote of thanks to the organizers, debaters and participants encouraged the Gender Champions to conduct more debates on various issues confronting the society today.
Wokha: International Women’s Day was celebrated at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on March 8, with Deputy Commissioner, Wokha Orenthung Lotha as the special guest. The programme was held on the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Right.”
the DC said women’s rights and gender equality is taking centre stage and becoming a part of movement in today’s world. He also stressed on gender equality and human rights of all women and girls.
He added that this day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that women have made and played an extraordinary role in keeping the family together. He ended with a quote from Mother Teresa, “If your eyes are positive, you will love the world, but if your tongue is positive, the world will love you.”
Dr Meribeni Odyuo, District Nodal Officer (NTCP) Wokha, speaking on the theme said that in today’s world, both women and men, boys and girls all over the world are speaking up for thousands and others who are silent. “Let us remind ourselves that every woman is special, whether she is working at home or office or doing both. She plays an important role in the upbringing of children and manages their homes efficiently. Let us endeavor building a better world where men and women live harmoniously free of violence and discrimination,” Odyuo added.
Short speech was also delivered by Dr Wonchano (MSK) and Renthunglo Kikon (One Stop Centre). The celebration was organized by Lotha Eloe Hoho under BBBP in collaboration with District Administration, DLCW and MSK. The DC launched the start of Poshan Phakwda which begins from March 8 to 22.
NU Lumami: The faculties and post graduates of Nagaland University, Lumami observed the International Women’s Day cum seminar on March 6 under the theme “Each for Equal” and the seminar on “Women’s Mental Health”, organized by Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami.
Thsangla, Women’s Coordinator, NUSU-(L) in the opening address shared on the importance and purpose of the occasion is not just to observe the day but also to create awareness and empower the students and also with the target of reaching out for people with mental health or stress. This was followed by a song by Avitoli and followed by speech by Ngaupu, Assistant General Secretary, NUSU-(L). Ngaupu gave a speech on empowering women to be bold, not to be afraid and to come out of their comfort zone and utilize the powers that they were inherent with.
A special prayer was said by Elika Tsuqu, Chaplain NUCF. Film by Rüüvikhono was screened followed by messages from the faculty, post graduates and scholars of the university.
The guest speaker, Monalisa Tase, Asst Professor, Department of Political Science, Nagaland University, Lumami elaborated on the theme, “Each for Equal” and urged the people that one must first imbibe oneself, and then only will true equality prevail. She motivated fellow women to accept their vulnerability and stated that vulnerability is not a weakness but it is who you are and thus, one must accept oneself.
The first session concluded with vote of thanks by Süyievelü Venuh, General Secretary, NUSU-(L) and benediction by Chingmei Phom.
The seminar begun with an opening act by The Blackamoors, who gave a significant message on gender equality. Resource person Ajung Imchen, Psychiatric Nurse, Mokokchung District Mental Health talked about various kinds of depressions, signs of a person in depression and alerted the people to be aware of such signs and shared on how to help those people in such state. She also discussed on suicide and how to reach out to people being suicidal and encourage the people that they can reach out to her anytime they need help or someone to talk to.
Zunheboto Government College: Zunheboto Government College observed the International Women's day on the theme 'Generation equality; realizing women's right’ on March 8 headed by Neutoli Achumi, HoD History Department.
She said that she is tuned with the theme this year 2020 focuses on mobilizing a global action to achieve economic social and political equality, equal opportunities and justice and human rights to women. She highlighted the various initiatives and schemes under taken by the UGC to promote increased women participation in higher education through three specific scholarships for girl students, development of women studies, regulations for protection of women, Gender Champions in educational institutions and to recognize eminent women through instituting ten chairs in different universities.
Earlier, Principal ZGC Dr Nishena Neikha flagged of for the peace Marathon. Lecturers along with the students marched for two and half kilometres starting from centre point to ZGC.
