Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 15
Along with the rest of the world, the International Day of Rural Women was observed in Kohima on Wednesday at The Hut Conference Hall. The programme was organized by Janjati Vikas Samiti Nagaland (JVSN) to honour rural women who are courageously venturing out from their comfort zones to improve their livelihood.
On this occasion, three young women were identified and felicitated. They are Zakielhounuo from Mima village who drives a zonal taxi and plies passengers from the state capital to her village, and Mhasivinuo from Pfuchama village and Diezeneino from Kigwema village, who work as municipal bus conductors.
State Transport Commissioner, H Achumi, who graced the programme as the chief guest said traditionally the role of rural Naga women was to take care of household work while the males provide for the family. But, he observes that in the modern age, women are becoming more educated and advanced and they are acquiring white-collared jobs to earn for their families.
He lauded the three women for taking up the otherwise conventionally considered male-dominated areas of work. He described them as pioneering rural women who are standing up to prove that women are capable of doing what men can do. He expressed hope that more women would take up such male-dominated areas of work and take the society forward.
Kedar A Kulkarni, an official of JVSN highlighted the visions and activities of JVSN briefly and also explained that the organization decided to observe International Day of Rural Women to recognize and celebrate the efforts and hard work of young women striving to improve their rural livelihood.
He said the JVSN hopes that their efforts will inspire others in the rural areas to step forward and work with a realization that no job is less important than other jobs.
Angami Public Organization president, Keneingunyü Sekhose and Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho president Ruokuoheü also attended the programme.
International Day of Rural Women was first officially held as a UN observance on October 15, 2008. This day recognizes the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.
