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Tokheli Kikon[/caption]
“I gained the public’s confidence by stepping into situations where most people will not”
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, March 11: The active role of women in politics and in the government establishments is generally interpreted as gender liberation, which in turn indicates the hurdles and challenges women face socially as well as at home.
Tokheli Kikon, the only woman chairperson of a village council in the entire state of Nagaland, has beaten the odds by acquiring the seat in Naharbari Village Council in Dimapur for three consecutive terms.
In a male-dominated society, where factors such as history, social and cultural norms play a huge role in choosing a leader, Kikon’s achievement becomes even more striking. Recently, she shared about the struggles she underwent towards attaining the position.
Becoming the first and only ever woman to get elected to the position she holds today, according to Kikon, was not an easy and smooth ride. “From sleepless nights to fighting for the rights of the people to getting threats on my life; it was not easy,” Kikon said.
But she said that the members of Naharbari Village Council have confidence in her since she makes no compromises. Kikon was also in the fray for the urban local bodies’ elections in 2017, which had to be called off following violent protests against 33% seat reservation for women in the state.
Asked why she chose to run for the local elections, Kikon replied that since Dimapur is the biggest “Naga city”, she wanted to contribute to the residents, ‘especially to the poor and down-trodden.’
“I started my journey with concern for the public when Nagaland was not in a good place; I gained the public’s confidence by stepping into situations where most people will not,” Kikon said.
“Women need to know their capacity and try to bring changes, be it small or big ways,” she said adding that both men and women have the same capabilities.
According to the 2011 census, Nagaland’s total population consists of 9.5 lakh women compared to 10 lakh men.
When this was pointed out to her, Kikon reiterated that ‘everyone often speaks of gender equality but forgets the practical matters at hand’ which are as much important.
“The mindset is patriarchal and the customary laws are biased but women have perseverance and wisdom which should be brought to light more,” she said.
According to her, not all women entering politics or seeking to enter politics in Nagaland were aware of the challenges that may come with it. “One should be prepared when entering politics or going for elections, and do a full study of what is needed,” Kikon said.
“You cannot go to war without a plan and preparation,” she said. In addition to the ‘social concerns,’ Kikon said, a woman “has to take care of her own family and other domestic responsibilities.” The suggestion was that a woman seeking to enter politics must be ‘prepared’ to handle those responsibilities.
Other aspects, she said, include not having monetary power. Kikon said that the requirement for financial resources limit the involvement of women in politics considering the costs of elections in the state.
Reflecting on her past hardships, she was grateful of the support received from the members of the council and residents of the village as well as her family members.
“I have support from my family who also carry the weight of everyone’s problems through me, and it is very important to have a partner who is willing to push you through thick and thin,” she said.
“I hope women can be more involved in decision- making process even if it is just one or two women,” Kikon said before quoting the oft-used phrase ‘behind every successful man, be it in business, government and most importantly politics, there is a woman who has helped him accomplish.’
Admitting that her academic qualification “might not be much”, Kikon said that it was her vast experience that has helped her ‘succeed’ till today. Naharbari village has 800 households.