Women’s Day: Entrepreneurs rally on ‘generation equality’

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 7 (EMN): As the world celebrates International Women’s Day with the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights” from the United Nation, and campaigns for “each for equal,” the generation equality campaign is bringing together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country to drive actions that will create a gender-equal world.

“Together, we want to mobilise to end gender-based violence. We are calling for economic justice and rights for all; bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health and rights; and feminist action for climate justice. We want technology and innovation for gender equality; and feminist leadership. An equal world is an enabled world,” the UN message reads.

Individually, UN says, “We’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions—all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.”

As the world commemorates gender equality on March 8, a few of Nagaland’s women are breaking gender stereotypes by providing equal opportunity to men and women.

Fusion Store founder Temsusenla Kichu has been running the business for the past five years paving way for local entrepreneurs irrespective of gender. It has been a backbone for local brands and products. With a surge in the number of local designers and entrepreneurs Kichu started to promote local brands that are doing a great job.

Kichu said that “women entrepreneurs of Nagaland have been torchbearers in rebuilding our economic strength. With the deepest passion to work with our local entrepreneurs, I have been a testimony of this very journey that I’m growing exponentially and impactful because of them. They also grow because of me. It’s a collective growth. This is the sustainable world we foresee.”

Another is proprietor of Runway Nagaland, Nengneithem Hengna, who started Runway Nagaland peddling handmade ethnic fusion jewellery in her small unit in Dimapur with women forming it. Hengna has housewives, school dropouts, widows, and house help to name a few who have found a source of livelihood through Runway Nagaland.

Hengna said it is not only about equality but inclusivity. “A progressive society is possible only when we are inclusive in every field and give equal opportunity. We need both women and men and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender), old and young, educated and dropouts, healthy and differently able and the list goes on; an inclusive society for a better world. This women’s day is to celebrate diversity. Nobody is superior. Everybody is equal.”

Rebecca Lunkim, a 24-year old from Phaipijang village in Dimapur district is also an inspiring example for the society and a reminder for one to introspect. Soon after her graduation at the age of 21, she joined Runway Nagaland. 

“Lunkim manages the entire operation of Runway Nagaland which is a big responsibility and equally takes care of her family. If required, she replaces her father in most of his social responsibilities and manage everything the society expects from a son to do but the society often fails to acknowledge or celebrate the achievements or contributions,” Hengna lamented.

‘There are many stories like Rebecca’s in the society, who carry responsibilities of the family on their shoulders yet also manage their careers commendably. But society often fail to acknowledge their sacrifice and brushed it off saying ‘it’s her duty’ failing to see how well girls are proving themselves. But still our society rejoices in men’s achievements and place our hopes only on men in every family and in every society,’ lamented Hengna.