Biker returns from empowerment-themed ride

Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 15 (EMN): Solo biker Onenienla Imsong returned to Nagaland’s capital town after a month of touring the districts of the state to ‘spread the message of women empowerment.’
A warm reception was conducted on her arrival on July 15 at The Heritage, in Kohima.
At the programme, Imsong spoke about her journey to the districts. The trip, she said, helped her to discipline herself. She said to have learned a lot of things from her meetings with women from various backgrounds.

Bad road conditions aside, a lot of the districts have own unique ways, she said. Instead of feeling tired visiting district after district, she said to have been motivated after meeting with the people there.

The 27-year old thanked God for her successful trip. She believed that her tour had given a sign of hope to people and that one should never give up in life.

‘We (women) are not just made for the kitchen’ but made with a purpose and that one ought to fulfil the purpose, she said.

Imsong appealed to other motorcycle groups to keep encouraging women by supporting them where required. “Keep on riding for a cause,” she said.

Further, she asked the unemployed youths to take part in the riding activities and be responsible for the society.
Following her passion helped her to become a responsible person, she said. She advised others to follow their passion as there are ‘no limits.’

The advisor of Rattle & Rum Music Society and advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha who flagged in the biker said that history was being written.

‘At the moment people are yet to understand what Nenty (Imsong) had done. But 100 years from down the line, the children will be talking about this story,’ he said.

Her story will inspire hundreds more to push on and to break the glass ceiling and instil the prospect that impossible is nothing, he said.

Metha said further that the Naga people are faced with many challenges including issues about the status of women in the society.

‘The Nagas flaunt of having equal respect for women in the society. Yet one must admit the fact that women are faced with unseen challenges, unheard cries, and silent struggles every day,’ he said.

“It’s time to talk about gender equality” and it must start from home. ‘Time to treat our girl, our women with justice,’ he added.

Also, Metha urged the men with the exhortation that the aspiration of every woman should be their aspirations too.
“Women’s rights are human rights,” Metha said. Calling for appreciation about Imsong, the advisor said ‘She exemplified the new women and the ambition and aspirations of every young woman.’

Onenienla Imsong’s Nagaland tour was flagged off by Nagaland Governor PB Acharya and wife Kavita Acharya, on June 19, at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima.