‘Empowering women is key to overall development’

KOHIMA — Elaborating on the important role played by women in the society, the chairperson of Nagaland State Women Commission (NSWC), W Nyinyeih Konyak, on Wednesday stated that empowering women is key to overall development of the society.

She stated this during a legal awareness camp-cum-workshop on capacity building and skill enhancement, organised by NSCW in collaboration with Women Resource Development, held at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima.

“In today’s generation, empowering women is very important. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive life, they can reach their full potential and contribute more,” she said.

The chairperson pointed out that the main contributor in the kitchen, in the society and in the country’s economy are woman. She stated that contributing to their skill enhancement can raise happier and healthier life in the community and in the society.

She informed that the workshop on skill enhancement is a way of empowering women for development.

She also pointed out major drawbacks of women especially those from rural background, who not only have to work hard but fight the stigma of women working in men’s world.

In this regard, she encouraged women to always support women fighting for their rights and appreciate one another.

The additional director of Women Resource Development, V Kavito Zhimomi, called upon the women of Nagaland to remember their tradition and customs to move forward in life.

“This workshop is to protect women’s rights and their interest and take them forward. Equality and justice of women should be promoted,” Zhimomi said.

He also emphasised the importance of empowering women in the decision-making process. He was of the opinion that it is high time for women to come out from their cocoon and start contributing in decision-making, be it at the state-level, regional or national-level.

The official observed that cooking is an inborn trait among Naga women and workshop is being conducted to enhance their talent. He urged them to pay attention and learn from the workshop and improve their efficiency.

He told them to look at their talent from the sustainable point of view and try making it as an earning source. He encouraged them to focus on one’s ability and try to export the produce, adding that government departments could help in finding market linkages for them.

Apila Sangtam, legal consultant, gave an overview of the free legal services available for women whenever faced with different types of violence. She called upon the gathering to take responsibility and promptly report violence incidents to the police.

She also advised the women hohos and organisations to be mindful of interfering in the investigations and legal procedures whenever such cases occurred, while cautioning that their interference could distort evidence.

She added that Nagaland is not a safe state for children irrespective of gender.

A total of 23 POCSO cases have been registered last year out of which 18 raped cases are committed by known people and five by unknown people.

Skill enhancement workshop including pickle-making were conducted by food specialists Tenojonu John and Kacheu Kanuo.

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