International Women's Day
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, March 7: March 8 is International Women’s Day. It is a worldwide event that commemorates the achievements of women. This year's thematic call to action to women across the world is about urgency: 'Now, more than ever, there's a strong call to action to press forward and progress gender parity. There's a strong call to press for progress motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender-inclusive,' reads a mission statement on the website of International Women’s Day.
Its theme for this year is 'press for progress' which calls for a gender-parity mindset, to challenge stereotypes and bias; forge 'positive visibility' of women; influence others' belief and action and celebrate women's achievements.
To commemorate the event, Eastern Mirror heard opinions from people who have carved a niche for themselves.
Kaheli Chophy, FBB Colors Femina Miss India Nagaland: 'Forge positive visibility of women because it is the need of the hour. At this time and age when we are witnessing women power in other parts of the world, why do we still doubt (women). There is a need (for) total cleansing of mentality in our society.'
'I do not just mean men to change. Even woman needs to change their mindset. On this auspicious day of International Women Day while marking the day with respect for both man and woman alike who stood for equality, transparency and progress of our women folk across the globe, let us open space for introspection and let us embrace and support our woman to come out and be agents of change for our society. Let us help our women participate in socio-political life in order to achieve the very foundation and ideas of equality, progress and humanity.'
Dr. Teputo Richa, founder of a studio, Richa Productions: 'Challenge stereotypes and bias as Naga woman are very independent and comparing to the rest of India. It’s a fact that Nagaland is the safest for woman. But keeping this pride, we often forget empowering woman. There is certain social / traditional mindset which are really pulling woman (toward) a direction which is very confusing. I will not say woman are empowered nor can I agree woman aren’t empowered. We are in a state of confusion. Our state is in a state of confusion. It will be proper to say it’s a political confusion. This confusion is not letting us Nagas excel in many fields at this age. And as long as this confusion is not cleared, we Nagas i.e. our woman included, cannot be empowered. As for woman empowerment in particular I believe in equality. Be it a woman or man. What man can do woman can do or even better."
Many of us Nagas are still very aggressive and always prefer violence and muscle power as a tool to rule. So naturally woman always fail to fulfil that criteria. Thus (there) lies the reason why no Naga woman was elected this election. Maybe the next lady contesting in the election should get some experienced advisors and sustain a group of youths to be her hands and legs. Only iron can cut iron."
Sangti Konyak, project coordinator of a local community initiative called the Community and Development Foundation: “Maintain a gender-parity mindset as majority of the male folk in our society still overlook the important role women can play in decision-making. We need to be more optimistic while giving opportunities for women to decide for our society.'
Zehovire Avi Kechu, 'Clean Election Icon' for Dimapur: ‘Celebrating women’s achievements leads to women empowerment which leads to gender equality. It is a blessing to have a special day for women where they are honoured, awarded and appreciated.’
Women empowerment lies in honouring ourselves and treating ourselves with respect as Eleanor Roosevelt (said), “no one can put you down without your permission.”'
Women are equally responsible for all that a woman has to face. Let us encourage our ladies at home and support them and we will witness transformation.'
