International Women’s Day celebrated across Nagaland highlighting women empowerment.
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DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — International Women’s Day was celebrated across various districts of Nagaland on Saturday, with state government departments and educational institutions organising programmes to mark the occasion
Mokokchung: The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) celebrated International Women’s Day at the MMC Basement on the theme “Give to gain.”
The celebration featured Imtiyapangla, Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), as the special guest.
In her address, Imtiyapangla underscored the critical need to promote and uplift women in socio-economic development, particularly in today’s context.
She commended the MMC for its encouraging initiatives in empowering women, especially through this special commemoration of International Women’s Day.
She highlighted that women have always played a central role in family economies. With greater access to education, women today are increasingly empowered and recognized worldwide for their contributions to economic growth, she said.
Also read: Nagaland marks Women’s Day with call to confront gender violence
While noting that products made by local women entrepreneurs are widely appreciated, she expressed concern over their quality. She pointed out that these items often fall short of expectations compared to others, due to inferior quality and short shelf life.
To address this, she urged women entrepreneurs to prioritise agri-allied farming products and indigenous crafts-such as handicrafts and handloom weaving-by modernising and refining them to achieve higher quality and superior branding that can gain wider appreciation.
Imtiyapangla also acknowledged progress in the sericulture sector and encouraged women to scale up livestock farming. She further observed that the floriculture sector is frequently overlooked, despite its immense market potential.
“We import more cut flowers than we produce locally, even though we have abundant fertile land and human resources to develop this sector,” she remarked.
NPF Central Women Wing: The NPF Central Women Wing observed International Women’s Day at the NPF Central Office, Kohima, with Rosemary Dzuvichu, advisor of the Naga Mothers' Association and co-convenor of the Global Naga Forum, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dzuvichu said the theme “Give to Gain” calls for greater investment in women’s and girls’ education to build an empowered society with equal rights and opportunities. She stressed that equality must go beyond words to ensure dignity, fairness and justice for all women and girls.
She recalled that women’s political empowerment in Nagaland began in 1977 when Rano Shaiza became the state’s first woman MP in the Lok Sabha. She also noted the presence of two women legislators in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly today.
Dzuvichu further highlighted the impact of 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies, which has enabled over a hundred women to enter municipal governance after years of legal and social challenges. She expressed gratitude to the state government and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for successfully conducting the ULB elections with women’s reservation.
Meanwhile, Chumben Murry, advisor to the Chief Minister, and Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, also shared words of encouragement with the women leaders.
WENN: Women Entrepreneur Network Nagaland (WENN) celebrated International Women’s Day at Tia Ki Nagaland Art Space in Dimapur with General Manager of NABARD, P Bulte as the keynote speaker.
Bulte, in his address, affirmed that women empowerment and programmes dedicated for women are at the core of NABARD activities.
While stating that the UN has declared this year, 2026, as the international year celebrating women farmers, he urged recognising women farmers and encouraging, motivating and inspiring every member country to do more for women farmers.
Following the observation of the event, a heart to heart interaction with Miqlat Ministry Coordinator Alole Tsühah, Hope Academy Principal Sashizungla Ao, and Public Prosecutor Dimapur Temsunaro Jamir was held. They each shared their professional journeys, challenges faced in their profession, and the passion to uplift women in society.
As part of the celebration, participants got hands-on experience with flower arrangement led by Imnakumla, founder of Serendipity, and candle making guided by Ake Living’s Kewengule Therie.
Four women entrepreneurs of Nagaland were selected by a vote of the members of the WENN for their passion and dedication in not only successfully running their own businesses but also achieving milestones in uplifting and empowering women and society as a whole.
Wokha: International Women’s Day was celebrated at Tiyi Hall, Wokha, on the theme “Rights, justice, action for all women and girls.”
According to a DIPR report, Secretary, Home Department, Elizabeth Ngully, highlighted women’s responsibilities and contributions to development despite discrimination and limited access in various spheres.
Ngully stressed the need to safeguard women’s rights and put them into action, noting that women’s roles often go unnoticed. She also spoke on the impact of early marriage on women’s ambitions, the importance of fairness in workplaces, and the need to address sexual and verbal abuse.
She urged men to be aware and raise sons to be responsible citizens who respect women’s rights and share household responsibilities, adding that the celebration should not be limited to a single day but serve as an eye-opener for all.
ADC Wokha Renbomo Ezung delivered the keynote address and spoke on the essence of the celebration. Short speeches were delivered by Lotha Eloe Hoho president Thungbeni Ngullie and Miss Wokha 2025 Grace Kikon.
Best performing Self Help Groups (SHGs) and successful entrepreneurs of Wokha district were also felicitated on the occasion. An exhibition on ornamental and flowering plants was also held.
Phek: An International Women’s Day–cum–Flower Show Competition was organised at Dzulhami Village under Phek district.
Menu-u Tsuha, CA, Sakhi-OSC Phek, spoke on the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” highlighting the assistance and services provided by Sakhi-OSCs. Wetsutso Mero, SFL DHEW Phek, also shared insights on various schemes and components under Mission Shakti.
A total of 30 participants showcased flowers in the annual seasonal and arranged flower categories, with winners receiving cash prizes. The programme also featured participation from women, girls, and schoolchildren dressed in traditional attire.
An awareness session on menstrual health and hygiene was conducted, and sanitary napkins were distributed to participants. Baby blankets for newborns were also provided to the Health & Wellness Centre, Dzulhami Village. Altogether, 120 people attended the programme.
CLEE: The Chümoukedima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (CLEE) celebrated International Women’s Day at LUC Hall, Chümoukedima, with DPRO Wokha Lolano Patton as the theme speaker.
Dwelling on the IWD 2026 theme “Give to GAIN,” Patton said the word “Give” does not only refer to monetary or material contributions but also to sharing wisdom and giving time to nurture the girl child, community, and society, which she said has a deeper impact, stated an update from DPRO Wokha.
She urged women to empower, uplift, and support one another to inspire the next generation of girls and build a future where every woman can rise with dignity and confidence.
On the occasion, Patton lauded the CLEE team for sacrificing their time, energy, resources, and talents while undertaking several beautification programmes and organising programmes for various occasions.
She called upon Lotha women in Chümoukedima to continue extending support to the team, stating that communities flourish when women support women.
Model Christian College: Model Christian College, Kohima, celebrated International Women’s Day at the college auditorium with students and faculty members in attendance. Guest speaker Meneno V, gender specialist at State Hub for Empowerment of Women Mission Shakti, Social Welfare department, addressed the audience on the theme of women empowerment and the need to create opportunities for women in all spheres of life.
She also mentioned the services make available for women and children, and stressed on the need to create a safer community for the collective whole.