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KOHIMA — Asserting that investing in women is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of social and economic progress, Minister for Women Resource Development (WRD) and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, called for continued efforts towards providing women with the tools they need to succeed to accelerate progress, create a more sustainable future, and reach new heights of an equitable society.
Addressing the International Women's Day celebration held at The Heritage in Kohima, the minister highlighted the historical role of women as the backbone of society, resiliently carrying the weight of their roles with grace, intelligence, and unwavering determination.
From taking care of their families and nurturing the next generation, to driving economic growth and leading in various sectors, women have proven time and time again that they possess incredible potential, she maintained.
However, despite this important role, she said that women have continued to face countless barriers and inequalities that hinder their progress and limit their impact.
“The time has come to recognise the untapped potential that lies within women and invest in them - to provide them with equal opportunities, resources, and support so that they can thrive and succeed,” she emphasised.
Urging both men and women to recommit to investing in women, the minister stressed the need for investing in girls’ education stating that it is the only catalyst for positive change. She said that educating a girl, is educating a nation, and, “by investing in their education, we are investing in a brighter future for all.”
Kruse also underscored that economic empowerment is vital in achieving gender equality, and advocated for increased access to capital, financial services, and job opportunities, in order to let them become powerful drivers of economic growth.
She said, “By investing in women entrepreneurs, we can unlock a vast potential for innovation, creativity, and economic prosperity. When women flourish in the business world, their successes inspire and create a ripple effect, shaping a more equitable society for all.”
Additionally, Kruse emphasised the importance of investing in women’s health and well-being, including reproductive health and access to healthcare services and called for greater awareness among women on healthcare services, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence and disparities.
She also highlighted the significance of investing in women’s leadership, stating that women bring diverse perspectives, empathy, and collaboration to the decision-making table.
Expounding the need for equal representation in positions of power and influence, and for policies to be more inclusive, she stressed the need for support and mentorship for aspiring women leaders, in addition to creating an environment that allows them to break the glass ceiling.
“When we invest in women, we invest in a better tomorrow for everyone – a society where opportunities are equal, achievements are celebrated, and progress knows no boundaries,” Kruse said.
The event was jointly organised by the departments of Social Welfare and Women Resource Development, the Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and the State Hub Empowerment of Women- Mission Shakti.
It also featured greetings from Wangpang Konyak, the advisor for Social Welfare department, and a keynote address by Martha R Ritse, secretary of Social Welfare.
Zhothisa Dawhuo, Commissioner and Secretary of WRD, introduced the Myki Fest, which was inaugurated by minister Kruse.
During the event, eight Women Padma Shri Awardees from Nagaland were honoured, along with State Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Diethonuo Nakhro, and other dignitaries, including Phangnon Konyak, Member of Parliament, and Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries and Commerce.
Awards and felicitations
The third edition of the Nagaland State Commission for Women Award was conferred to C Tsurila, Nengneithem Hengna, and K Ela their wide ranging contributions to Naga society.
C Tsurila, from Muleangkiur village in Shamator district, is a home-based worker and leads YBAST, the local women's organisation in her town and currently serves as the Field In-charge for Shamator and Tuensang Self Employed Women's Association and also as Finance Secretary of the Yimkhiung Women Organisation.
Hengna, the founder of Runway HM Private Limited, is a trailblazer in the contemporary tribal jewellery scene and designs Nagaland indigenous-inspired jewellery. She is also a pivotal member of the Women Entrepreneurs Network of Nagaland and a GB Birla Leadership fellow.
K Ela is the director of Prodigals’ Home in Dimapur and has been in the social work sector for almost two decades, engaging with vulnerable women and children as well as education and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and rehabilitation of persons with substance and drug use disorder, among others.
Additionally, the NSRLM also felicitated self-help group (SHG) women achievers with the best performing awards going out to the Tetemjen SHG, Azikeh village level organisation (VLO), Kedakelie VLO, Japfuphi Thenuko.
Viketuno Edith Rutsa, Wepretsou Kupa, Bendangenla Weo, Rhucheu Marhu and Easter Konyak also received individual awards for their contributions to SHG initiatives.