DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the world, different organisations, district administration and educational institutions in Nagaland celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ on Friday by organising programmes to commemorate the day on the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.”
NU Kohima: Nagaland University, Kohima campus, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at the university campus, where students and faculty from all departments clad in traditional attires came together for the first time to join in the celebration.
The keynote speaker was Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, department of English, while the guest of honour and pro vice chancellor of NU, Kohima campus, Prof. Glenn T Thong, and Prof. N Venuh, HoD of History and Archeology, also spoke on the occasion.
The chief guest and district and session judge of Wokha, Nino Iralu, who also attend the celebration, emphasised that investing in women is not merely a social initiative but an investment in the very fabrics of our communities, economy and the future we collectively envision.
She encouraged the gathering to invest in women’s education, which is the knowledge capital of our societies and will create positive ripple effects across generations.
DGC: Dimapur Government College Teachers’ Association celebrated ‘International Women’s Day,’ wherein three women guest invitees coming from different professional field shared their personal experiences.
They included Kivini Shohe, independent filmmaker based in Dimapur and recipient of Nagaland Governor’s Award in the field of Arts 2014; Shiroi Lily Shaiza, co-founder of NagaEd, a digital education company, and Ngimchule Nampeung, assistant commissioner of police (Traffic), Dimapur, an update from the college stated.
Modern College: Modern College in Piphema, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at the college’s indoor stadium with Dr. Kikonino Zhunyu, Head of Teacher Education at Mount Mary College, Chümoukedima, as the guest speaker.
The event was organised by the Gender Champion Club, in collaboration with IDBI Bank, Kohima, an update stated.
Dr. Zhunyu emphasised on the significance of investing in women as a catalyst for accelerating progress in various spheres of society. She stressed that by providing women with access to quality education, healthcare services and economic opportunities, societies can unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable development.
MGM School: MGM Higher Secondary School celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at the school campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Giju George, vice president of the school, said that the “social setup brings disparity between genders but now it’s time for women to move forward and break the chains that binds them from achieving their full potential.”
Madhumita, who spoke on behalf of all the lady teachers, said that every woman is special whether in work front or home front and that it’s time to dismantle the barriers of gender bias, wage gaps and leadership disparities, which hinders the realisation of women’s potential.
NEISSR: North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day,’ wherein speeches were delivered by the students.
Keduotseizo Seyie of MSW 4th semester mentioned that there was a time when, even in Naga society, women were considered inferior to men and were denied their rights and privileges for many years. He, however, stated that women today have overcome those challenges and obstacles, proving in many ways that they are capable and equal to men.
He concluded by urging to reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.
St. Joseph University: The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Committee of St. Joseph University, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with IQAC and IIC, celebrated International Women’s Day at the university campus.
Co-founder and managing director of Momsie Enterprise, Viseino Basumatari, and CEO and founder of BeautyBarn India, Toinali Chophi, were the special guest and guest of honour respectively.
Both the invited guests shared about their business and entrepreneurship journeys and inspired the students to be empowered. The programme was attended by more than 400 students along with the university’s administration and female faculties from various departments, an update stated.
Kohima Law College: Kohima Law College observed ‘International Women’s Day’ at the college auditorium with assistant professor, Kezhokhoto Savi, as the speaker.
Savi said the day belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality and also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. He also said that it is important to understand, value and seek the inclusion of women and girls and that there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included.
Savi further said that this year’s theme aims to inspire individuals and organisations to understand and value the inclusion of women in all aspects of society.
Model Christian College: The Women’s Cell of Model Christian College, Kohima, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at the college auditorium with Pangwan Konyak, food technician at State Public Health Laboratory, as the special guest.
In his address, Konyak said that the theme means empowering women to participate in all areas of life and recognising their rights and giving them ample opportunities to explore their strength. He underscored the importance of giving equality and economic independence to women so that society can progress in a positive manner.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto district celebrated ‘International Women’s Day-cum-felicitation of Nagaland Olympics 2024 Games achievers’ at VDB conference hall in Zunheboto town.
Short speeches were delivered by the deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali; EAC Viketoulie Mehta, and gender specialist at DHEW, Kiyepu.
Achievers of Nagaland Olympics 2024 were also felicitated during the programme.
Kohima College: International Women’s Day was celebrated at Kohima College Kohima (KCK) with Moanungla Kevichusa, retired head of English department, as the special guest.
Kevichusa, in her speech, said women empowerment is a moral imperative; a fundamental right and not a privilege. She also said that women empowerment is about creating safe, equitable spaces for amplifying marginalised voices and standing in solidarity.
She added that despite some evidence of inclusive representation in Nagaland, gender disparity persisted in various pockets of society. As such, she stated that the higher education elites have a responsibility to make a giant leap for female inclusivity.
NSRML Sangtamtilla: The Sangtamtilla village level organisation (VLO) under NSRLM celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ in the village Takuangla Jamir, co-founder of Liden (A digital marketing agency) as the resource persons.
She spoke on the inclusiveness of women through equal access to opportunities and resources; representation and participation in decision making; and celebrating diversity. She reminded everyone that inclusion begins at home and encouraged all to include and invest in women.
A total of 99 participants attended the programme.
NEN: North East Network INEN) celebrates ‘International Women’s Day’ with more than 370 women in Chizami in Phek and Kohima districts.
In Chizami, NEN, in collaboration with Nenterpise, observed the day at local ground with its coordinator, Wekoweu Tsuha, as the keynote speaker.
The day saw participation of rural women artisans, village leaders and women societies to celebrate women’s contributions, achievements and leadership within their households and communities.
In Kohima, the event was celebrated in collaboration with SEWA Union Kohima and State Institute of Rural Development. The event consisted of interactive sessions with women at the grassroots who are leading change and breaking gender stereotypes.
LBC: The women department of Liangmai Baptist Church (LBC), Dimapur, and Liangmai Baptist Phumling Maipui Aruang (LBPMA), Toulazouma, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, with Liangsi Niumai, advocate and director of C-CERP, as the resource person.
Dr. Chamzai Newmai, medical officer of UPHC Burma Camp, Dimapur, spoke on “Common health problems in women.”
The programme, chaired by Chandy Newmai, was well attended by women leaders from the community.
DHEW Kohima: Commemorating ‘International Women’s Day,’ District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Kohima, took part in the ‘3rd Origin Fest 2024, Cultural Kaleisdoscope’ at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (KSCJ).
Delivering the welcome address, Nuzotalu Atha, assistant professor at KSC, described cultural day programme as a celebration of the richness of religion, custom and tradition that shapes the collective identity.
A skit on the ‘Legend of Sopfiinuo’ was presented by the Angami Students’ Union of KSCJ.
Vimeno Kuotsu Nakhro, advocate-cum-panel lawyer of KDLSA, extensively discussed the constitutional and legal provisions for the protection of women and girls in India. She also highlighted the availability of free legal services for women and children.
DHEW Phek: Phek district administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), in collaboration with Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) and Sakhi-One Stop Centre (OSC), celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at Chetheba town council hall with Cthitu Nienu, EAC of Chetheba, as the guest speaker.
Senovielhou Koza, NSRLM block programme manager of Chetheba; Veposelu Naroh, gender specialist at DHEW, Phek; Metsheu Divina Therie, OSC case worker; Jitsiasa Nyusou, OSC administrator, spoke on the occasion.
Flower show competition in two categories namely orchids and seasonal flower was organised.
Rengma women: Rengma women, in collaboration with the Rengma Hoho Women representatives, Rengma Mothers’ Association (RMA) and Women Club, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at Riga Thong Memorial Hall.
Logvule Kent, Rengma Hoho women representative, encouraged the women to participate/ contribute in whatever way they can for the uplift and welfare of the community, while the president of RMA, Sojule Tep, urged the women to break down barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.
Six women entrepreneurs were felicitated during the programme.
AIDA: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), Don Bosco, Dimapur, in collaboration with SBI Foundation Mumbai, celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ in Virazouma village with the chief medical officer (CMO) of Dimapur, Dr. Limatula Aier, as the special guest and Atula Jamir, branch manager of SBI Rangapahar, as the guest of honour.
Dr. Limatula Aier urged all the participants to register under CMHIS scheme and avail its benefits, while Atula Jamir encouraged the women to come forward and adopt help seeking behavior wherever they go.
Dr. Vekuto Sema, veterinary assistant surgeon, spoke on the concept of pig breeding and enlightened about sustainable practices to ensure the success.
Immanuel College: The Women Cell of Immanuel College celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ with Moamenla Yaden, chairperson of Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Dimapur, as the special guest.
The special guest emphasised on the value of possessing skills that will empower and accelerate a progressive life. She also encouraged the students to create their own niche based on their potentiality and area of expertise.
