EMN
KOHIMA, MARCH 11
CWA Razeba: The Catholic Women Association of St. Ignatius Parish Razeba joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day at St. Xavier’s Church, Zhavame village on March 8, marking a very good attendance of women representatives from different churches and women societies from the four surrounding villages as well as women representatives from Thenyizumi and Pfutsero town.
Addressing the gathering as the main speaker on the topic, “Women and Education”, Rekha Rose Dukru noted that in spite of the contributions made by women, it is still an unequal world, and deliberating further on the importance of Education, she said that our Naga Customary Law does not allow women to inherit ancestral properties.
“At the end of the day the house is kept for the youngest son of the family, or best paddy field to eldest son and so on”, she pointed out. However, stating that, it is okay even if a girl is not given any of these, she said it is more important for a mother as a parent to give her education, which can enable a girl child to assets such as house, land etc. She asserted that, ‘what is stored in your head will become your treasure, which no one can take away’ while referring to education.Further impressing upon, that woman can become agents of change and development, and also promote love and peace in the society, she emphasized that “women education is the best investment which will never fail to bear fruit” while also quoting ‘When you educate a man: you educate a man. You educate women: you educate a generation.”
She also said that Education is not only knowing how to read and write, and with reference to the gathering, said, “many of you here cannot go back to school but we can all learn to live better lives, we can share, love and respect.” “We can be ordinary women with extraordinary lives”, she added, citing the example of Chen Shu-Jiu, the vegetable seller from Taiwan sand Malala Yousafzia who is an education activist from Pakistan. She challenged the women present by saying that, that the best gift they can gift their daughters is education.
The occasion was marked by a Holy Mass with Rev Fr Pappu Samy as the main celebrant. Martha Durku chaired the programme while Anne Kath, president NCWA and Rev Sis Mary Dukru also exhorted the gathering.
Among those who attended the programme included president and general secretary of Nagaland Catholic Women Association.
Mokokchung: Along with the rest of the world, International Women’s Day 2014 was observed at Ongpangkong Salang Mokokchung organized by Family Counseling Centre (FCC), Care & Support Society Mokokchung on March 8 under the theme ‘Inspiring Change’. Lecturer CTC Aolichen, Merenla Imchen while speaking on the Topic “The Responsibility of Women in today’s World “emphasized on how ordinary women make extra ordinary change in the society and the various responsibilities of women. Women cell DEF Mokokchung enlightened on the setting up of women cell and its activities and how it can be approached by victim of the society. The function was attended by members from Watsu Mungdang, Women Department from various churches and observation homes from Mokokchung.
Phek: Along with the rest of the world, International Women’s Day was observed at Phek in a DPDB hall on March 8, organized by the Phek District Legal Service Authority. The celebration was chaired by Civil Judge (Junior Division) Sonet C. Chang. Phek SDO (C), Athrila highlighted on the significance of International Women’s day while short speech was delivered by DFO Phek, Rongsenmenla IFS and President, Chakhesang Mother Association, Zaboshelu Penuh, Women Assistant Pastor PTBC, Moze Nyekha invoked God’s blessing, vote of thanks was delivered by Phek District and Session Judge G.H Ramlia. About 60 women attended the celebration.
St. Francis Xavier Church Kidima Parish: St Francis Xavier Church Kidima also observed International Women’s Day 2014 at Church premises with Rev Fr Thomas Muttathil, Parish Priest as the main celebrant. Rev Fr Thomas Muttathil in the introductory note of sermon explained that the purpose for observing International Women’s Day was because of imbalance between men and women in the society.
Intl Women’s Day at Christ School
To empower the women of Domukhia Lotha village to build better homes, around 100 women participated in the international women’s day celebrations at Christ School campus. Ms Temjeusangla SDO (C) as chief guest and Ms Zumchilo Patton as guest of honour spoke on the occasion, on the role of women in building families and societies. Sr. Agie CMC accorded a warm welcome to the gathering and the kids of the school and Sunday school children added colour and vitality through various programmes. Chairman of Domukhia proposed vote of thanks.
