Naga People’s Front MLA Achumbemo Kikon urged women in Kohima to elect capable leaders and strengthen participation in decision-making bodies.
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KOHIMA — Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Achumbemo Kikon on Friday urged Naga women to actively participate in the electoral process and choose capable representatives to ensure their aspirations are effectively voiced in decision-making bodies.
He was speaking at a state-level seminar on ‘Women in Contemporary Naga Society’ organised by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) with support from the National Commission for Women (NCW) at the SIRD Auditorium, Kohima.
Referring to the ongoing discourse on women’s reservation in urban local bodies, state legislatures and Parliament, Kikon stressed the need for women to prepare themselves and make informed choices.
“When the time comes, we must ensure that the best among us represent women,” he said, urging women to vote beyond affiliations of village, family or personal ties.
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He also encouraged Naga women to continue asserting their rights while maintaining mutual respect within society.
Noting that Naga society has traditionally been patriarchal, he said women today are increasingly confident and are contributing more actively in decision-making processes.
Highlighting progress, Kikon said that both society and government have shown a shift towards greater inclusion of women.
He also cited literacy figures, stating that female literacy in Nagaland stands at 76.11% compared to 82% for males.
Limawabang Jamir, Secretary and AHoD of Social Welfare, said that Naga society has historically been patriarchal, with women’s roles largely confined to domestic and community spheres.
However, he suggested that this dynamic is gradually changing.
According to the officer, women are now increasingly visible in education, business, politics and social activism, and there is a growing demand for greater political participation and representation.
At the same time, he pointed out persistent challenges such as gender inequality, limited representation in traditional institutions and social expectations.
Despite these, he said that Naga women continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.
“Women in contemporary Naga society stand at a crossroads of tradition and change. They are no longer silent contributors but active participants and leaders,” he said.
NSCW chairperson W Nginyeih Konyak said that Naga society is at a crucial point of transition where tradition and modern aspirations must progress together, with women at the centre of this transformation.
She shared that despite their contributions, women continue to face challenges in representation, decision-making, access to opportunities, economic independence and protection from violence and discrimination.
Konyak added that contemporary realities require a closer examination of women’s roles across education, employment, leadership, customary practices and public life.
The NSCW, she said, remains committed to advocating women’s rights and creating platforms for dialogue.
The seminar featured resource persons including Theyiesinuo Keditsu, assistant professor at Kohima College; Rev. Ellen Konyak Jamir, associate professor at Oriental Theological Seminary; and A Wati Walling, associate professor and Dean (Academic) at the National Institute of Technology.