‘Women’s Day is not to measure superiority but for parity’

A Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MARCH 8

International Women’s Day is not an issue to convey a message of gender superiority, Nitesh Pandey, director of We Assamese of Guwahati said on Tuesday during a program in Dimapur marking International Women’s Day.
Addressing the commemoration of International Women’s Day at The Garden Supermarket in Dimapur on Tuesday, Pandey said that women, historically, have been suppressed and the issue was still prevalent in the communities in the subcontinent even after two centuries of contributions by womenfolk to the people and society. Quoting Margaret Thatcher’s words: “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman,” he remarked that women were the architects of the society.
The expression ‘gender equality’ has become a common slogan as stories and images of violence against women continue to assault the society. This was expressed by We for Women Brand Ambassador Bambi Kevichusa on International Women’s Day. Education and awareness, she said, are the primary ways toward removing and preventing gender-based discrimination and violence against women.
Delivering the keynote address Kevichusa, a fashion designer, said that empowerment of women is not about women overriding men rather creating an environment where women are uplifted, enabled to contribute to the society and be appreciated.
The contribution of women is essential as empowerment of women will lead to contribution towards the socio economic political scenario of the state and country as whole. On the day, Kevichusa sought the support of the male population in women’s struggle and that they stand with women so that the society would be a society of equals.
Shouka Kakheto, ADCP (Crime) of Dimapur police also spoke during the event. While speaking on the legal aspect of the rights of women, he said that the principle of equality of women was enshrined in the Constitution of India. Emphasizing specifically the 73rd Constitutional amendment where there is a move to increase the reservation for women to 50 per cent, he said “We all share an equal responsibility to fight for gender equality.”
The programme was organised by We For Women at The Garden. A special lantern-lighting ceremony was also organized to mark the occasion, besides musical performances from former Naga Idol Moanungsang, and voice group the Voices of Hope, led by Nise Meruno. The event culminated with Ram Dhenu, a Guwahati-based live band performing a special concert.