The Lotha Eloe Hoho concludes its 9th general conference in Wokha with a focus on women’s leadership, gender equality, and empowerment.
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WOKHA — The 9th general conference of the Lotha Eloe Hoho concluded at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town on Wednesday, with calls for gender equality, women's empowerment, and leadership.
The valedictory programme of the conference was attended by Achumbemo Kikon, Member of Legislative Assembly, Chairman of the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board Bhandari, and Secretary General of the Naga People's Front.
Speaking on the occasion, Kikon underscored the vital role of women in shaping society, beginning from their households where they influence husbands and sons. He urged women to be agents of positive change and role models, impacting society silently yet significantly from the family to the community.
Kikon described women as sources of strength, wisdom, and reliability and expressed hope that the conference would help nurture young girls to shine within the Lotha community. He acknowledged a gap in the visibility of Lotha women in the broader Naga context and encouraged them to step forward as leaders.
He stated that women must play the role of responsible mothers who shape not only the kitchen but also society through their sons and husbands.
Also read: Lotha Eloe Hoho 9th general conference: Deputy CM Y Patton urges women to lead from front
Noting the male-controlled nature of Naga society, where most decisions are taken by men, he urged women to influence these decisions through active involvement and guidance.
He further encouraged them not to wait for men to push them forward in leadership and decision-making but to support one another and take the initiative themselves.
Highlighting gender equality, Kikon referenced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, where equality is a key priority. He called on women to embrace their responsibility as tutors and mentors, pointing out that girls and sisters have already proven their capability through recent academic achievements.
The conference concluded with the dedication of the new Lotha Eloe Hoho team for 2026-2030, led once again by Thungbeni Ngullie as president.
Earlier, the second day of the conference featured Member of Legislative Assembly Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe as the special guest and Wonchibeni V Patton, Principal Judge of the Family Courts in Dimapur and Kohima, as the theme speaker on "Achieving gender equality in Nagaland".
Humtsoe urged reforms in societal practices, stressing equal opportunities and fair distribution of wealth between sons and daughters. He called on women to uphold values that strengthen families and communities, noting that girls had outperformed boys in the recent High School Leaving Certificate and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate results of the Wokha district.
Delivering the theme address, Patton highlighted women's achievements across fields but pointed out contradictions between customary practices and Christian values. She raised concerns over custody norms in divorce cases, often favouring men, and pointed out the emotional toll on children.
Stressing that change must begin at home, she called for fairness, equal property rights, and an end to biases that expect women to endure silently while men are easily forgiven.
Dr. Annungla, President of the Central Nagaland Women Association, in her greetings, commended Lotha Eloe Hoho for its role in fostering unity and empowerment. She reaffirmed the association's commitment to the welfare of the Lotha, Sema, and Ao tribes, stressing sisterhood and collective progress.
Urging women to raise their voices, she said entrenched patriarchal norms have long suppressed Naga women and called for courage to speak out for justice, equality, and meaningful change.