Rekha Sharma sees women driving as breaking societal norms

KOHIMA — The chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma, said on Tuesday that women driving not only empowers women but also inspires men, breaking down societal norms and fostering a sense of independence.

She said this during an interaction programme with members of the Women on Wheels (WoW) team travelling through Northeast India as part of WoW Season 2, hosted by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) at Hotel Vivor in Kohima upon their arrival in the state on Tuesday.

As a part of the initiative, the team travelling in six cars embarked on their journey from Cotton University in Guwahati on February 4 and is scheduled to return to Guwahati on February 10, concluding the journey after having explored and engaged with the different aspects of the region.

The drive is supported by the National Commission for Women and the state women’s commissions of the respective states.

Commending the women drivers and co-riders, Sharma said that moving from one location to another brings them closer to the state and expressed hope that they would continue to share their positive memories of the region.

She lauded the initiative, highlighting the significant impact of women driving, especially in the Northeast region, where such efforts are rare, and in the tourism sector, which typically receives fewer visitors.

Reflecting on her journey to Nagaland seven years ago, Sharma noted the positive changes in infrastructure and credited government initiatives such as Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. She also underscored the importance of unity among state commissions.

Claiming that tourists will flock to the region in the next four to five years, resulting in significant changes not only in Nagaland but also in the Northeast region, she acknowledged the WoW team for initiating the programme. She said that they would be the flag bearers, sharing their stories upon returning to their places.

Meanwhile, Advisor for Social Welfare Wangpang Konyak, in his brief speech, acknowledged Nagaland’s patriarchal nature but also noted the progress Naga women have achieved. He mentioned on the occasion that the NLA had passed the Municipal Bill 2023 to conduct ULB elections with reservations for women.

Nginyeih Konyak, chairperson of NSCW, said in her speech that the commission had endorsed and partnered with the WoW project and emphasised that the expedition, led by all-women teams, aims to promote cultural vibrancy throughout India.

Anuradha Paraskar, a participant, commended the warmth and hospitality of the Northeastern people, underscoring the distinctiveness of the region’s culture, art, and craftsmanship.

She also recognised the significant role of tourism in offering opportunities for women, particularly in sectors such as homestays and weaving.