Nagaland
Nagaland celebrates IWD with a call to end gender inequality
EM Bureau
Dimapur, March 8 (EMN): Various social organisations and educational institutes celebrated the International Women’s Day across Nagaland on March 8 on the theme ‘“Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. The aim of the day is to spread the message of gender equality and promote a better society where there is no gender bias.
Sisterhood Network: Sisterhood Network, in collaboration with Action Aid Association, Guwahati, and Rongmei Baptist Association, Jalukie, and supported by Give India and NABARD, Dimapur, celebrated the International Women’s Day at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur, on March 8.
While speaking on the occasion, the first editor of Morung Express and SN board member, Along Longkumer said that Naga women play a vital role in preserving Naga identity, resources and knowledge system and added that women are the primary caretakers in the community.
Longkumer added that equality should be manifest about building a long term eco-system that enables them to facilitate the community to reach its full potential and opined that conflict and corruption were the two problems that pull down the Naga community in moving forward.
Longkumer also expressed that women hold much responsibility but they do not enjoy power, especially in decision making.
The general manager of NABARD, Dimapur, Tiakala Ao, while speaking on ‘restoration of economic activities through livelihood opportunities,’ said that to break the bias in gender equality, it should start from home.
Ao stated that during the pandemic, the informal job sector in India was the worst affected. She stated that women make most of the informal sector and added that 65% of women in Nagaland make up the labour group sector.
The retired chairperson of Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, Kohima, and SN board member, Bano Vinito, while speaking on ‘Women’s role in economic equality and justice in the community,’ said nurturing children at home with equality is the foundation of gender equality.
Vinito added that all children must get education without any gender bias. Stating that Naga greatest strength is community life, she urged to preserve the strength.
NEDFI branch manager, K Jianthailung, and regional manager of Action Aid Association, Guwahati, Mrinal Gohain also spoke on the occasion.
LFIC: The Chümoukedima deputy commissioner of police, KM Munesh, stated that students in Nagaland have much potential but they are not getting enough opportunities.
She stated this during the International Women’s Day 2022 celebration at Livingstone Foundation International College, Dimapur, organised by the Political Science department. She observed that the students are very enthusiastic but there was lack of opportunity and sometimes lack of guidance unlike in some other nodal states.
She also encouraged the girl students to believe in themselves and give way to their dreams and do whatever they want to do. She also encouraged them to raise voices toward misconceptions and biases towards women in the society.
During the programme, the opening and closing prayer was led by T Tsurila Yimchunger and Hivika Yepthomi respectively. The welcome speech was delivered by RK Behera, principal of LFIC.
Mokokchung: Various organisations and groups in Mokokchung celebrated International Women’s Day.
At Imlong Place, the Watsu Mungdang organised a programme on the theme, “Beautiful Inside Out” where its president, T Arenla Ao, delivered the welcome speech.
Advocate Mapujungla Pongen has highlighted the significance of the day and the different rights of women. She further challenged the congregation to break the norms which is causing gender inequality in the society.
Shilula Imchen, associate women pastor of MTBA, also encouraged the women to look forward and to change from within for a better society.
Meanwhile, the Mokokchung district legal service authority (MDLSA) also celebrated ‘International Women’s Day with the staff nurses of Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH).
MDLSA team included retainer lawyer Limanungsang, DPA Mapujungla Pongen, panel lawyers Tajungla Longkumer and Maongtula, and FOA Talisangla.
The team also visited all the nurses on duty and acknowledged their services rendered to the society.
Around 60 staff nurses and student nurses were present during the visitation.
In another programme, the Mokokchung district administration, in collaboration with Sakhi-One Stop Centre, visited the District Hospital and gave away packages of nutritional food to all the women patients admitted at IMDH.
BVP Nagaland: Nagaland unit of that Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP) celebrated International Women’s Day at SD Jain Girls’ College and felicitated six senior assistant professor of SD Jain Girls’ College as “BVP empowered women of the year 2022” for their dedicated service to empower girl students of Nagaland.
The award recipients were Lily Ngullie, Abeni Kikon, Dr. Dalia Bhattacharjee, Kayini Kayina, Rohida Khatun and Reemi Choudhury Mazumder.
The regional secretary NE Sampark declared that two more branches would be opened in Kohima and Bokajan within April 2022 to extend service to needy people in village areas.
Peren College: The women development cell of Peren Government College (PGC) celebrated the ‘International Women’s Day’ on the theme “Gender equality today for sustainable tomorrow” at the college premises. Assistant professor Dr. Tialila delivered a speech on the theme, while the keynote address was delivered by assistant professor Agnes Lalengkimi, and a song was presented by a 2nd semester student Lhingneikim.
PWC: Pranabananda Women’s College, in collaboration with Community Health Initiative (CHI) celebrated the International Women’s Day, wherein Nengneithem Hengna, founder of Runway Nagaland, was felicitated for her contribution towards society as an entrepreneur and for giving a platform for women to be financially independent.
Speaking on the occasion, Hengna encouraged the students to be an asset to the society by being self-reliant and independent, while an informative talk on “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” was delivered by Alokali Zhimomi, author of the book “Menopause: Embracing your midlife.” She enlightened the students on the ten commandments of menstrual hygiene and talked about breaking the bias.
Dr. Andrew Ahoto, chairman of Livingstone Foundation International, exhorted on human values and encouraged the students to be independent and empowered for a sustainable tomorrow. Orentsani Kikon, founder of Orentsani Aesthetic fitness, and her team led the yoga demonstration to cope with menstrual health.
CHI: Community Health Initiative (CHI), Zaben Murry Design, powered by Menstrual Initiative Nagaland celebrated the International Women’s Day by conducting a free workshop in jewellery making for students.
Around 17 students from different schools and colleges in Dimapur participated in the workshop. Zaben Murry, a jewellery designer, taught both semi fusion and western accessories during the programme.
Loreni Sophia, CHI director, spoke on the importance of having hobbies and skill training which could be beneficial for mental health in lowering anxiety and stress level and also to help cope with depression. She urged the students to use their free time to pursue their hobbies.
Certificates were handed out to all the participants.
Immanuel College: Women cell of Immanuel College celebrated the International Women’s Day by organising a social extension activity by distributing refreshment to the traffic police and needy in and around Dimapur town.
St. John College: Commemorating the International Women’s Day, Dionysia- a drama club of St. John College, in collaboration with the anti-ragging, sexual harassment and women’s cell committees, organised a short pantomime act inspired by a popularly shared cartoon.
The act was organised to spread awareness about the women of the 21st century being on the same level with men. The programme concluded with a speech and a dramatic monologue on ‘Women of tomorrow’ delivered by the two drama club coordinators Longmekumzuk and Eloni Murry.
Pfutsero College: Phek district administration, in collaboration with Chakhesang Mother’s Association (CMA), Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) and Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN), celebrated the International Women’s Day at Pfutsero Government College.
The joint secretary to the government of Nagaland and special guest, Avelu Ruho, encouraged the women to participate in policy making bodies.
A play reflecting gender equality scenarios within families was enacted by the students of the English Department. A speech competition on the theme was also organised in which Zocheu Thele, Chovelu D Vadeo and Khruvi Victor Zholia secured the first, second and third positions respectively.
Interpretation and display of Chakhesang traditional attires was presented by the members of Chakhesang Mother’s Association.
The Chakhesang Women Welfare Society honoured the day with the launch of ‘Eche’ sanitary pads and diapers.
Modern College: The anti-sexual harassment cell and gender champion club of Modern College, in collaboration with Kohima district legal service authority, celebrated the International Women’s Day by organising a one-day seminar.
In the first session, the assistant professor of B. Voc, Chanini Lokho, who spoke on the theme, stated that it would take 100 years to achieve gender equality. She stated that society at large must recognise and acknowledge women’s contribution, honour the leadership of women at all levels.
In the second session, Nagali Shohe, advocate-cum-panel lawyer of Kohima district legal services authority, spoke on “Cyber crimes and cyber law,” while
Mhechiete-u Kenye, advocate-cum-panel lawyer of Kohima district legal services authority, spoke on “Protection of women under the Constitution of India and criminal law,” and Selvinu Khanyo, counselor of Modern College, spoke on “Mental health and women.”
In extempore speech competition, Pangteang K Konyak and Tokiho Achumi won the first prize, while Atoto K Chishi won the second prize and Beyau K won the third prize.
Model Christian College: The women’s cell of Model Christian College organised a programme to celebrate the International Women’s Day at the college auditorium.
Veduvolu Khusoh, entrepreneur and proprietor of Glam House Boutique and special guest, shared her life experiences about how she ventured into different countries and started her own business in a foreign country. She encouraged the young people to be courageous and determined.
She stated that gender equality does not mean women are superior to men but rather it is a movement that desires equal treatment. She also mentioned that leadership and competence have no gender and expressed her desire to see a fifty percent representation in all important spheres.
Act of Kindness: The 7 Assam Rifles and Act of Kindness Society honoured few women for their contribution towards the society in different categories on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The awards comprising trophy, certificates and cash of INR 2000 were given away at their homes and workplaces.
The award for art was given to artist Cynthia Kolakhe; for music to pianist and music educator Bethel Tsuzu; for social work to Sisterhood Network, Dimapur; for education to SAMETI director Watimongla Jamir; for entrepreneur to founder of Runway Nagaland Neingneithem Hengna; for leadership to president of Act of Kindness Society Lenti Aier; for youth icon to only woman batista in Nagaland to Zakietsono Jamir.
Tetso College: The women cell of Tetso College observed the International Women’s Day with Temjenkala Aier, founder and CEO of Emporium Skills Training Institute, Dimapur, as the guest speaker at the college auditorium.
Addressing the gathering, the guest speaker has stressed on empowering women through skill development and capacity building. She encouraged the students to recognise the significance of women in their lives and inspired them for greater achievements in future.
In a separate event, the NSS and RRC units ofTetso College celebrated the International Women’s Day with the female students and teachers of Government Middle School, Sugarmill, Dimapur.
Tamlu Baptist Church: Tamlu Town Baptist Church, in collaboration with Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) celebrated the International Women’s Day with the women of Tamlu area.
PBCA development secretary and guest speaker, Philip Nyam, spoke on the history of International Women’s Day and highlighted the gender equality based in the context of Naga society.
A poem on women and girls was recited by Lily L Phom, while Shaopen, pastor of TTBC, dedicated a prayer for all the women and girls.
Speakers from Hoichemla Tamlu unit, Medical department, village councils, CASA and police spoke on the importance of gender equality, women’s health. A total of 300 persons attended the programme.
Phek Govt. College: Phek Government College celebrated International Women’s Day with its assistant professor of Economics and convenor of women development cell, Dr. Thejotalu Nienu, as the speaker.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Nienu stressed on the importance of being a part of the movement to break the barriers existing in society- politically, culturally and economically.
Coinciding with the celebrations, the college vice principal Shapalu Suyie gave away cash prizes along with citations to the winners of the online slogan writing competition organised by Red Ribbon Club of PGC.
FPA India: FPA India Nagaland branch, in partnership with KNP+, celebrated the International Women’s Day at KNP+ hall with Dr Amenla Walling, 4Life IDS, as the speaker.
She exhorted the gathering on the value of good health, positive outlook and strong immune system to live healthy and be an asset to the society. She also donated 4Life products worth INR one lakh for KNP+ members.
Kaini, staff nurse at Reproductive Health and Family Planning Clinic, Daklane, shared on cervical cancer, how it could be detected early and prevented. Stating that one woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India, she said that cervical cancer is the third largest cause of cancer deaths in India.
The general manager of FPA India Nagaland branch, Vincent Belho, informed that Nagaland branch under the Jewelex project is providing Covid subsistence nutrition to the targeted communities. He expressed happiness to partner with Dr. Amenla Walling.
AIDA: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) Don Bosco and SBIF gram seva programme celebrated International Women’s Day at Khriezephe village with Vikehie Khro SHG and women folk of Khriezephe village.
On the occasion, six tailoring machines along with 12 start-up kits were handed over to the women SHG.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Nebu Mathew SDB, rector of Don Bosco, Dimapur, stated that tailoring machines were given to help women learn a trade and earn livelihood for themselves and their family.
Victo Sema, member secretary of Nagaland state legal service authority and chief guest, encouraged the participants to make use of the available service provided under Nagaland state legal service authority.