DIMAPUR — The Kohima Watsu Telen (KWT) (Kohima Ao Women Organisation) convened a panel discussion on the theme ‘my identity, my responsibility’ on October 7 at Molu Ki in Kohima.
Dr. Anungla Aier, retired director of Higher Education, Dr. Aokumla Walling, assistant professor in the department of History and Archaeology at Nagaland University, Toshi O Longkumer, advocate at the Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench, and CT Jamir, senior advocate at the Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench, were the panellists at the event.
In her speech, Dr. Anungla Aier discussed the roles and responsibilities of Ao women in the family and society, and she encouraged them to take the lead in preserving their identity, culture, and traditions while remaining open to adapting to contemporary contexts without losing their roots.
Dr. Aokumla Walling echoed Dr. Aier’s sentiments, emphasising the critical role Ao women play in building and preserving family and cultural identities.
She urged them not to forget their roots and encouraged participation in tribal, clan, or family activities, even when married to people from different villages or tribes.
Advocate Toshi O Longkumer highlighted in his speech the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and stressed the importance of the empowerment of women and the protection of their identities.
Toshi called for the evolution of customary practices in line with the contemporary context while preserving identity and roots through a reformation movement rather than a revolutionary one.
CT Jamir recognised the growing acceptance of women’s identities and critical roles in a variety of fields, including policymaking, bureaucracy, and business.
Highlighting the empowerment of women in alignment with gender equality, he called for a change in the mindset of people regarding the importance of male children and maintaining equality from the very start, beginning at home.
Chubasangla Longkumer moderated the panel discussion, and Nukshirenla, president of KWT, delivered the welcome address.
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