Nagaland celebrates frontline women on International Women’s Day

Dimapur, March 8 (EMN): Joining the rest of the world, Nagaland celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 on the theme, “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 World.”

Dimapur: The district administration in collaboration with the district level centre for women-Maha Shakti Kendra (DLCW-MSK) Dimapur and Sakhi- One-stop Centre (OSC) Dimapur organised a programme where Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Soundararajan was the chief guest. In his brief address, he lauded women for being the “best performers in any field” and noted that “women’s intangible contribution was the most important in any household”, an update stated.

“Many a times society takes the intangible contribution for granted but one should realise that the intangible contribution by women is contributing to the tangible outcomes,” he maintained.  He observed that women were not given their due rights initially, “however over the years, good sense has prevailed in the society and with the efforts of rights based organisations gradually women were given equal opportunities for aspiring various goals and shouldering responsibilities in the society”.

“This is a continuous movement which requires whole hearted approach, he said. Lauding the women for being the best performers in any field,” he said. He stressed on the importance of giving the basic respect to a woman. The DC further congratulated all the awardees and acknowledged the responsibilities shouldered by the women in the fight against Covid- 19.

Marking the day, one female candidate from various fields was nominated and the awardees were felicitated by the special guest.

ADC Dimapur V Lovitoly Sema, Deputy Chief Medical officer, Dr. Antoly Suu, officer-in-charge of women police station, Rose Yanthan, sportspersons Akumtila Longkumer, Hasna Kumar and Kikrusenuo were felicitated by the special guest. In the field of academic excellence, government teacher ( Science)  Watimenla, and  Digamber, Jain Girls’ College Dimapur were also felicitated . Geeta Kumari was nominated for the award for her contribution towards health and sanitation for women at the grassroots level. From art and culture, Zuchobeni Tungoe, the only female contestant from North East India who made it to the top 15 of the VLCC Femina Miss India 2020 was felicitated.

Lipokjungla Ozukum, Director and Co- Founder Ilando Services Private Limited was awarded in the local Female Entrepreneur category while Naga Women Hoho Dimapur was felicitated in the civil Societies category. In the Non-governmental organisation, the Missionaries of Charity Dimapur, affiliated to the Missionaries of Charity Kolkata was awarded for serving all people irrespective of caste or religion.

Wokha: The district administration organised IWD at VDB hall, Wokha on March 6. Judicial Magistrate, Nagaland Judicial Services and secretary WDLSA, Khrievono Seletsu shared about the efforts shown by women around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As the Covid -19 pandemic began, what has caught the attention of the world amongst other facts is the active participation of women in handling the Covid-19 crisis, women stands at the front line of the Covid -19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, as scientists, homemakers, community organisers and innovators and also as some of the most exemplary and effective National leaders in combating the pandemic,” she stated.

She also said that women have demonstrated their skills, knowledge and networks to effectively lead in Covid-19 response.

“Women’s day is equally important today as the day when it was first celebrated because this day gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of women in their contribution towards the society, to encourage and support one another as women also plays important role towards finding solution in every aspect of life. This is also a day to remind ourselves of our capabilities and strength and to take pride in being women,” she added.

EAC (Judicial) Wokha, I Yentinoungbouin acknowledged the contributions and efforts women have made in bringing about change and reformation in various fields.

During the function awards were also given to the winners of the selfie competition conducted during the month of January on National Girl Child week held on the topic “Dati-Podi” (grandmother- granddaughter).

Zunheboto: Zunheboto district celebrated International Women’s day at Town Hall on the theme , ‘ Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future In a Covid 19 world’. The programme was jointly organised by district administration, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Social Welfare department, district level center for women- MSK and Sakhi OSC.

The programme started with banner march from SBCZ ground to town hall led by EAC Zunheboto N Nyamok Konyak.

Short speeches of five minutes each was delivered by Easter, advocate, Kengbame, UBSI Women PS, Dr. Shikatoli, Inakali Swu, teacher, Cornerstone School and Grace, asst. general secretary. EAC Orenthung Kikon also spoke at the occasion and exhorted the women on various aspects of life.

Pfutsero: International Women’s Day was celebrated at Pfutsero in a programme organised by Pfutsero Town Council and Chakhesang Women Welfare Society.

ADC Pfutsero, Japheth Woch as the guest of honour for the programme.

Woch encouraged the women to challenge the stereotype and achievements of women. He also urged the women to take part in decision making. He sought the support of the NGOs and the women in Pfutsero sub-division, and acknowledged the contributions made by the women during the pandemic.

Short speeches were delivered by chairman, Pfutsero Town Welfare Committee, Mezelo Lomi, President, CMA, ZhoneluTunyi and women secretary, CBCC Neingupe-U Rakho. A poem, “Lawyer of the unborn child” was read out by PfuzotoTetseo. 

Tening: Tening Town Women Welfare Organisation organised IWD in collaboration with Tening Block Task Force on BBBP. Bino Newmai, retired DPO, department of Social Welfare, was the special guest. Speeches were delivered by the special guest and senior medical officer, Community Health Centre, Tening Dr. Neilasakuo Linyu. A song competition was also held on the occasion.

Longleng: The district administration in collaboration with Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA), Bati Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), MSK – District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) and Sakhi One Stop Centre Longleng celebrated IWD by organising a seminar on women’s rights and privileges. It was held at PBCA Convention hall on March 8 with women participants from various churches and villages across the district of Longleng.  

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner of Longleng M Shayung Phom exhorted the women to “learn from the seminar, raise their voices and give good advices to their spouse to have a sense of humanity and gender equality both in the family and community for a better place”, an update on Monday informed.

He also lauded the contribution of Phom women towards the growth and development of Phom community. He was optimistic that the seminar would bring more change and added that he was encouraged to see the participation of women from the village. The DC also gave away awards to the winners of the poem competition. 

In her keynote address Pichano Kikon, EAC Longleng asserted that the significance of the day was to recognise the responsibility and contribution of women in various fields and to educate them to avail their rights. She also encouraged the gathering to carry the message and disseminate the information back to their family and community.

Meanwhile, A Shamthai Phom, president of Phomla Hoichem extended her appreciation to the district administration and all the agencies involved for organising the programme.  

Later, in the seminar session, Pichano Kikon spoke on the rules and functions of DC office while Yantsula, UBSI Women OC, Longleng spoke on the role of women police. Dr. Obangjungla CMO, Longleng spoke on rights of women’s health and T Longlang Phom CDPO, Longleng spoke on PMMVY schemes. K  Athili, LDM Mokokchung and Longleng spoke on banking, insurance, applying scholarship and atal pension scheme while P Monyei Phom, panel lawyer, DLSA, Longleng emphasised on fundamental rights and duties. P Phongla Phom, women welfare officer, MSK Longleng and C Henchum Phom, centre administrator, OSC, Longleng spoke on schemes for women and girl child and domestic violence respectively. 

Namghar High School: Namghar High School in Dimapur observed International Women’s Day (IWD) at the school premises.  Nitai Acharjee, senior teacher, spoke on the significance of the day, which was followed by speeches from students.

An update form the school informed the autobiography of Mother Teresa was read by class 7 students, and a short skit was presented by the students of class 8 and  10, depicting the women’s role in our day-to-day life.

Meanwhile, women teachers and staff of the institution were honoured with certificates for their commendable services to the school, it read.

The function was well organised, which was initiated by the Literary Club of Namghar High School, Dimapur.

ACID-NDWWT: Assisi Centre for Integrated Development cum National Domestic Workers Welfare Trust (ACID-NDWWT) – Nagaland region celebrated IWD at Assisi Auditorium on March 8. Rita Kikon, president of Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association was the chief guest for the programme.

Kikon cited many great women leaders like Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi and others, anupdate read.

 She encouraged the women to be “bold, courageous, and continue to march ahead” despite the  pandemic.

Meanwhile, Agnes Ezung, general secretary, NCWA shed light on the role of women in the family and society. Pauliankap Bulte, DDM Nabard, expressed that IWD was a day to acknowledge and make people aware of women’s rights and gender equality, parity and call to action.

“It highlights how women can be equal partners in decision making processes. Especially those regarding policymaking,” it read.

 Further, the self help groups who were trained under MEDP were awarded with certificate of participation by Rev. Sr. Mary CJ, the provincial superior and the DDM. Sister Pramila also urged the gathering to ‘grasp the moment with both hands’ and “make our own wonderful memories to carry along with us for our future endeavor”.

300 women belonging to different SHGs and domestic workers groups attended the progrmme.

Modern College: Modern College in Kohima celebrated IWD by organising a seminar on the theme “Women in Leadership: Choose to Challenge”.

It was organsied by the department of Education and English, with Deepali Thapa as the chairperson for the formal session. 

Principal of the college, Dr. Vitsou Yano gave the welcome address while Arenchenla Walling, a student presented a special song. An update form the college informed there were two technical sessions with ten paper presentations from outside and within the state focussing on topics relating to women in Northeast in matters of decision making, women narratives, gender violence, women’s role in contribution to society and economy and gender inequality in social and community structures.

DMCWW: Dimapur Meetei Council Women Wing (DMCWW) observed IWD was observed on March 7 at Manipuri Colony in Dimapur in ‘honour of all women in the world’. DMCWW felicitated Binda Khundrakpam, an old women leader for her achievements and contributions to the Meetei society.

President of DMCWW Sunita Wahengbam spoke on the significance of the day, stressing on the theme “Women in leadership.” She emphasised on the roles taken by women during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The programme was attended by 250 members.

DMC President Sarat Thangjam exhorted the gathering to work together for the welfare of women in particular and public in general.  Meanwhile, Rita Yangkhom, general secretary, and her team presented a Yoga demonstration to remain encourage the women to remain fit in all ages.

It further stated that DMCWW executive members presented a fancy dress show on women taking up different responsibilities in the world, while a skit was enacted to bring awareness on IWD.

EDRC, Ahthibung: A brief programme was held at the office premises of Educational Block Resource Centre (EDRC), Ahthibung to commemorate IWD.  The celebration included prayers of blessing for women staff by Pastor, KBC Ahthibung, Thanghen Chongloi, an update informed.  The staff honoured on the day included Neikholhing,ToT, and Puilambalie, ToT. Meanwhile, the programme was moderated by Paominlen Hangsing, office assistant, and presentation was made by Chungminthang Singson. 

KVK, Kohima: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kohima celebrated IWD at Kigwema village on the theme “Women Leadership in Agriculture”. Dr. Temjennungsang, ACTO (Animal Science) delivered the keynote address. He said that IWD marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

A technical session on mushroom cultivation was also conducted with K Micheal Pienyu, ACTO (Plant Protection) and Khekali Sema, ACTO (Horticulture) as resource persons. They spoke on the topics production technology on mushroom and nutritional benefits of mushroom respectively.

Meanwhile, Keviyeno Zhasa, training officer spoke on the topic ‘Value addition in mushroom’.

During the programme, Akhrie Yhoshu shared her experiences on mushroom cultivation, an update on Monday informed. The programme was attended by farm women of Kigwema village.

KVK, Peren: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Peren under ICAR research complex for NER, Nagaland, Jalukie celebrated IWD at Poilwa community Hall, Peren road. An update stated that Dr. KL Meena, principle scientist and head, KVK Peren encouraged the farmers to take up farming sincerely by selecting potential indigenous crops. Dr. Patu K Zeliang, ACTO, shared on the theme of the programme –women leadership in agriculture: entrepreneurship, equity and empowerment.  Isapeule Hegui, agri inspector, Mon, shared on role of women in agriculture and sustainable income generation.

 During the programme, two successful women farmers LonoIkie from Deukwaram village and Saplule from Jalukie town were felicitated for their achievements in farming and enterprise through livestock and kitchen gardening. Altogether 40 farmwomen and five officials attended the programme.

DMI School: DMI St. Joseph Global School celebrated IWD by conducting various programmes for the women teachers of the school. Mhareni of class 10 sang a song on the theme of the year ‘Raising women’s leaderships equal to men’. She also spoke on the importance of women’s role in the family, building homes, raising children and making them good citizens.

Tolino V Zhimomi, head of the department of Social Science motivated the students through the inspirational life and achievement of Lakshmi Bai.

Each department organised different programmes like speeches, poem recitation, singing and mime, while class 10 students created hand-written posters to honour women.

Rev. Sr. Rosa Mary, administrator, in her address, exhorted the women to “add wings to their ambition and aspirations”. She further cautioned the women to be wary of bullying and other atrocities against women, it added.