Women Empowerment Vis-à-Vis Government Policies, Customary Laws, Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Empowerment can mean so many things. As defined by Oxford dictionary, empowerment is the process of gaining freedom and power. Women empowerment is a fundamental human right which is key in achieving a progressive society.

Women and Government Policies

As per provision of the Act 2006 at section 12, the State Government provides a fixed Grant-in-Aid annually for the Commission of Women as decided on 25th June 2014, under Social Welfare Department. The Commission has been engaged mainly with Women’s Legal Rights under the Constitution; (which includes) access to legal authorities for redress of grievances; need to urge the authorities to include women members in decision-making bodies of society and documentation of Traditional Practices relating to women.

In the recent years, reservation for Women in Urban Local Bodies as provided by the Constitution is another story of gross injustice in our society in the name of so-called culture, traditions and customary laws. However, the constitution recognised by the Government of India not only guarantees equality to women but also empowers the state to adapt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women. Article 14 guarantees to all Indian women equality before law and Article 15 prohibits discrimination in grounds of sex. Section 15 (1) (d) of Hindu Succession Act entitle Inheritance of Property by Women.

Women in Customary laws

The Naga Society is a traditional society where the institution of customary laws and practices is constitutionally recognised by the Government of India. Different tribes and different villages vary different customary laws. However, one common practice widely seen in all societies is, women not inheriting property and exclusion in decision making. But with time, Women can now inherit property share depending on the family and they are also included in Decision making.

In 2018 general election, there were 3 women contesting in election, namely, Apula chang from Noksen Tuensang, Rakhila from Tuensang Sadar ii and Awan konyak from  Aboi Mon.

In 2005, Tokh li Kikon was the only woman in Naharbari village of Nagaland, Dimapur, contested for Village Council Chairperson. She got 13 votes out of 21 and became the state first womon village council chairperson. Interestingly, Manni Konyak from Wangti village, under Chen Block in Mon District is the first woman in Nagaland to be a Secretary of Village Development Board. Seeing these women prospering in these fields we can say that women are also getting their shares in Customary Laws.

Women and Entrepreneurship and Self Employment

Since time immemorial, Naga women have been performing exceptionally well in education, household management and now Entrepreneurship.

We have in our Naga community who are great example to all. Aleno, is a social worker, the owner of Bright Morning Star Children’s Home, who runs a Orphanage. Another entrepreneur Odiren Walling, is a global icon designer who has made her debut in global phenomena. Limatola, the founder of YouthNet, empowers young people to address education, unemployment, entrepreneurship and livelihood. Manno Wangnao an independent journalist who covers for World media that is Al Jazeera and Times of India. Kebu Mansa, a mother of 3 from Tuensang, beating a rigid Patriarchal society is a mechanic worker repairing all sort of Petrol running vehicle. Another self employed is Man chi si lu who runs a stall of sugar cane juice in Jalukie. LPG delivery woman, Lily working in Indian Oil is another example of Women empowerment.

As said “Education is the backbone of the society” and when we look at the educational setup in Nagaland, there are many women who are doing exceptionally well in educational institutes. Just in private college, colleges like Japfu, Tetso, Cornerstone, Pranabananda Women’s, Modern, S.M College, Loyem Memorial are being run by female principals. Likewise interestingly just in Kohima, there are 15 private higher secondary schools being looked after by Female Principals. So we can conclude that women are good in educational set up as well as the Administrative management.

Over the years, as seen, things have taken a huge turn and women have proven enough that it was only lack of opportunity that placed them inside the box of stereotype which is now being overtaken and they are storming the world.

“CHANGE IS NATURE AND IT STARTS WHEN WE DECIDE”.

Be the CHANGE.

Mr. Kaimangchoba Chang
Assistant Prof. Department of English
Modern College