Resource persons and participants during the International
Women’s Day programme at Assisi auditorium in Dimapur on Saturday.
DIMAPUR — Along
with rest of the world, Nagaland celebrated International Women’s Day on
Saturday on the theme “For all women and girls: rights, equality and
empowerment.”
International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 every year
to highlight the ongoing fight for gender equality, empowerment and social
justice world-wide.
Dimapur: The National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM),
Nagaland region, in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development
(ACID) celebrated International Women’s Day at Assisi auditorium in Lake View
Colony, Dimapur.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Advocate Priyam
Shyam, said that the day was observed to honour the remarkable achievements of
women in social, economic, cultural and political spheres. She added that the
day serves as a reminder to raise awareness, advocate for gender equality and
uphold women's rights.
She called upon the gathering to uplift one another by
sharing positive words, supporting each other and amplifying every woman's
voice.
She urged the women to take care of their health as good
health would ensure a strong and thriving home. She added that every woman has
the right to make decisions about her body including family planning and
childbirth. Besides, she underscored the importance of education and encouraged
the women to participate in governance.
Stating that women have the right to live free from violence,
she encouraged them to speak out and not suffer in silence if they feel
something was wrong.
The guest of honour and branch manager of Nagaland Rural
Bank, Dimapur, Dikho Kaini Luciana, said that every woman is special no matter
wherever she works.
She stated that women play a major role in upbringing
children and taking care of their homes. She also mentioned that joint
decision-making with their spouses on matters such as education and healthcare
for children is important.
She concluded by urging to continue supporting and
empowering each other to be the best version of themselves.
Wokha: Commemorating International Women’s Day, the Wokha
district administration organised a programme at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town with
Dr. Chumben Murry, advisor to the chief minister of Nagaland, as the special
guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Murry congratulated the women
and encouraged them to be torchbearers of society. He acknowledged women as the
backbone of society and the economic pillars of the Naga community and urged
them to remain receptive to opportunities and challenges.
While noting that Naga society remains patriarchal, often
limiting women's inheritance of ancestral wealth such as land and resources, he
stated that women have never been left behind. He highlighted the evolving
modern society, where women are excelling and making their presence felt in
every sphere.
Dr. Murry appreciated the Naga women's literacy rate, which
stands higher than the national average according to the 2011 census at 76.11%
compared to the national female literacy rate of 65.46%. He also commended the
contribution of Naga women in both the government and agricultural sectors,
which accounts for 44% of the workforce.
In his keynote address, Vineet Kumar, deputy commissioner of
Wokha, highlighted the completion of 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
programme, describing it as a significant milestone in the journey of women
empowerment. He noted that women's active participation in Nagaland has risen
from 16% in 2011 to 27% in 2023.
Kumar urged the gathering to foster progressive societal
change through gender equality and evolving perceptions.
Short speeches were also delivered by Thungbeni Ngullie,
president of Lotha Eloe Hoho, and Chliam Khiamnguinan, judicial magistrate
first class and secretary of the Wokha District Legal Services Authority.
During the event, 23 frontline workers comprising ASHA and
Anganwadi were recognised for their exemplary performance. Certificates were
handed over by Dr. Chumben Murry.
Government officials along with the women award recipients
on the occasion of International Women’s Day in Mokokchung town on Saturday.
Mokokchung: The district administration of Mokokchung, in
collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) and Watsü
Mungdang, celebrated International Women's Day at the DC’s conference hall.
The event brought together community leaders, officials and
citizens to honour the contributions of women and advocate for gender equality.
Delivering the keynote address, Thsüvisie Phoji, deputy
commissioner of Mokokchung, emphasised the invaluable role women play in
society. He acknowledged their sacrifices and highlighted their dominance in
various sectors, including education and public services.
"Women have consistently demonstrated their power and
capabilities, shaping a better future for all," he remarked.
The theme speaker and mission director of Chuchuyimlang
Baptist Church, Bendangonen Jamir, has stressed the urgent need for women's empowerment.
He underscored that empowerment is not a battle against men but a collective
effort to uplift women and create a more equitable society.
"Empowerment is about enabling women to realise their
potential and contribute meaningfully to society," he said.
The event also celebrated the achievements of five
remarkable women from diverse fields for their contributions to leadership,
resilience, and commitment to societal progress. The award recipients were L
Bendangla Jamir, Dr. Sashila Aier, Dr. Temjenwala, Yatetienla (ASHA worker) and
Chubasungla (Angwandi worker)
Aghunato: The office of the ADC, Aghunato, in collaboration
with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Zunheboto, celebrated
International Women’s Day at ADC office Aghunato with the councilor of Aghunato
Town Council, Elison, and Vinobo, sportswoman, as the main speakers.
Underscoring the importance of women empowerment, Elison
stressed on financial independence as a tool to liberate women from the bondage
of poverty. She encouraged the women to focus on their mental health and
intellectual capabilities in order to succeed in life and also take full
advantage of the constitutional provisions guaranteed to women.
Vinobo, who is an accomplished badminton player from
Aghunato, narrated the various ways in which sports has provided her numerous
opportunities for growth. The EAC of Aghunato, Kathyinla, highlighted on Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) schemes and key issues faced by the women and girls
in Nagaland. She also briefed on the various initiatives taken up by the
government to promote their welfare and called upon all stakeholders to work
for betterment of women and girls through advocacy, awareness and partnership.
As part of the occasion, certificates and cash awards were
presented to meritorious students of Aghunato.
Atoizu: The district administration in collaboration with
the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Zunheboto, organised a grand
celebration of International Women’s Day at DBs Hall in Atoizu.
In her address, Suzin Awomi, STL president of Atoizu unit,
highlighted the important role of women in society, emphasising the need for
continuous efforts toward gender equality.
The keynote address was delivered by Vinus Awomi, councilor
of Atoizu Town Council, who encouraged the community to support women’s
empowerment.
Niuland: Niuland district administration and DHEW celebrated
International Women’s Day at DC’s conference hall.
The extra assistant commissioner (EAC) of Niuland,
Kelengunuo Solo, delivered the keynote address, wherein she highlighted the
importance of women's empowerment and environmental sustainability. She also
explained the Mission Shakti and BBBP initiatives and sought cooperation from
society to drive positive change.
S Boloka Jimo, specialist in financial literacy, emphasiaed
the significance of plantation in promoting environmental sustainability, while
Tokingla Kussun, counselor, raised awareness about mental health issues
affecting women and girls.
The event culminated with a plantation drive promoting
environmental sustainability and community participation.
Tuensang: Tuensang district celebrated International Women's
Day at CKS Hall in Tuensang town, organised by Mission Shakti Tuensang in
collaboration with Changsao Thangjam Setshang.
The special guest and deputy commissioner of Tuensang,
Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, stated that in the context of the Naga society, women
are given equal opportunities in the field of education and employment but less
active in decision making. She also urged the gathering not to differentiate
between men and women in the field of education, highlighting that many women
in the district have emerged as successful entrepreneurs, business women and
cultivators.
The DC appealed to all the village councils to accommodate
25% of women members in the village development board. She also exhorted the
women to make use of the Mission Shakti in the district for the betterment of
women in the districts.
MGM School: MGM Higher Secondary School celebrated
International Women’s Day to honour the achievements and contributions of women
across the world and to highlight the struggles for gender equality.
Renji Thomas spoke on the significance of gender equality
and the progress women have made in various fields, while Fr. Giju George spoke
about the importance of empowering women and creating an inclusive world.
A group song was presented by Bhakmai and friends, while
Subhanmita captivated the audience with a poem recitation.
The programme concluded with remarks from the principal,
Reji Abraham, who emphasised the importance of celebrating women not just on
International Women’s Day but every day. The principal also encouraged the
students to continue advocating for equality and justice in their communities.
Students of JN Aier College pose for a photograph on the
occasion of International Women’s Day on Saturday.
JN Aier College: JN Aier College, Chümoukedima, celebrated
International Women’s Day on the theme "Accelerate action."
Viloli H Kiba, assistant professor of English, delivered the
keynote speech on "Accelerate action," emphasising the need for
proactive efforts toward gender equality. The event concluded with a
benediction said by the college principal.
The celebration served as a reminder of the crucial role of
women in society and the need for collective action to ensure gender equity.
KVK Phek: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, celebrated
International Women’s Day at its office premises.
It stated that a lecture on ‘Women empowerment in
agriculture’ was delivered by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, senior scientist and
head of KVK Phek, while Dr. Ragulraj, senior technical officer at NRCM, Porba,
delivered a lecture on ‘The role of women in livestock production and
management.’
It was followed by a session on oyster mushroom production
and stored grain pests and their management led by Dr. Sharanappa CH.
