Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 8
THE Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (New Delhi), launched the first of its series of statewide campaigns for the year 2014 on legal rights of women today at APO Hall, Kohima. The theme ‘Legal Rights of Women on Marriage, Divorce & Inheritance’, saw leaders of all the frontal organizations of the Angami community share their views freely on the matter.
NSCW chairperson, Dr. Temsula Ao, in her introductory address, said it is an undisputable fact that the continuity and strength of Naga society rests on the customary laws and practices which have given the people their identity. But, she pointed out, along with the changing times Nagas are now living under a new dispensation where men and women are apparently viewed as equals under the provisions of laws adopted by the state.
She asserted that despite this, customary practices are still invoked when it comes to close personal relationships such as marriage, divorce and inheritance, often to the detriment of the woman’s cause. She observed that information on women’s legal rights alone will not help the cause of women if the basic issue of customary laws and practices regarding these issues are not discussed in open deliberations.
“In order to arrive at a mutually acceptable decision, we need the active participation of our men folk who are the traditional leaders in their respective circles and villages,” she said.
Emphasizing that it is not the commission’s motive to contest, confront or quarrel about the existing customary laws governing various Naga tribes, Dr. Temsula stated that such deliberations carry the message for men to think of incorporating changes and fair adjustments in a modern set-up which will be beneficial to women, and where men and women can work together as equals in all respects.
She acknowledged that such changes will need in-depth and consistent consultations with all sections of the society, and further urged for initiation of dialogues among elders, intellectuals and women’s groups on the issues.
Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho president, Er. Kekhrielhoutuo Nakhro shared his views on the legal status of women on the three issues of the theme with regard to the Angami community. He said as far as marriage is concerned, the Angamis like many other Naga tribes give much regard to women. He highlighted some practical issues on divorce and inheritance that could require modern or legal approach to ensure protection of women’s rights. He pointed out that like many other tribes, no alimony is given to the wife in a divorce and cited that in the case when a woman is not at fault, she is usually given only one third of the total share of joint property which is not ancestral. On the other hand, he stated when the woman is at fault, she is sent away without any share of property and traditionally an adulterous wife is sent with signs such as uneven haircuts or shaved heads or marks on her face even to the extent of stripping her of her clothes. Observing that some instances of such extreme practices still occur in the society, Nakhro termed it a serious issue of human rights abuse which needs to be addressed.
He mentioned that some issues of discrimination exists in the case of inheritance, although the practice of gifting self-acquired property to the female child is gaining popularity among the educated and urban residents. He also highlighted the need for protection of the right of the widow or female child over self acquired property.
Angami Students’ Union president, Zakieseto Khate, who also spoke on the occasion, said culture is also evolving with the changing times and along with it, a stand for equal rights and opportunities for both men and women is also evolving. He opined that the matter should not be taken as a battle between Naga men and women as both are “equally struggling” to adapt to the natural evolving process of society and culture. “Perhaps my generation would be more susceptible and tolerant or even would not accept the existing norm of some of our cultural and customary dictates,” he said, adding, or many might disagree to alter existing customs. He feels that a mature discussion as well as analysis and calculation of what should be done in the existing order is more important rather than denial or demand and blames or justification of culture.
The ASU president asserted that chauvinistic and dogmatic male attitude or customary zealots or even feminist extremism must never come in the way to create a balanced and just society.
Representatives of Angami GBs Union and DBs Union also shared their views and admitted that women were discriminated in the past, however, with the advent of Christianity, many of those practices were left behind. They were also of the view that there is a need to deliberate on issues regarding inheritance more seriously.
The presidents of the main frontal organizations of the community such as the Angami Public Organization (APO), SAPO, WAPO, NAPO, CPO and AYO, who were also invited to speak at the seminar, failed to turn up at the programme.
The programme was chaired by NSCW member, Kakheli Jakhalu.
Later, in the afternoon, a session on legal rights of women on Health & HIV and AIDS was also held.
