DIMAPUR, JULY 11 : The supposedly ‘backward’ district of Phek continues to set exemplary benchmarks for the rest of the districts to follow in the hotly-contested matter of allowing women representation in decision-making bodies in particular – and in general, women empowerment.
Five years ago, three villages from Phek district were widely lauded for selecting one woman each to their respective village councils. Traditionally, women in Naga villages have been excluded from participating in decision-making processes.
Back then, the three Chakhesang villages to break tradition were Chizami, Porba and Chozuba. And five years on, the number of villages in Phek district with women representations in their respective village councils have doubled to six.
On Monday, the deputy commissioner of Phek, Murohu Chotso told Eastern Mirror that while Chizami and Porba have retained the groundbreaking practice, four more villages have also followed suit this year. The four villages are Lozaphe, Enhulumi, Kami and Sumi village.
Kami and Sumi village have 2 women representatives each in their village councils, while the rest of the four villages have one each. This puts the total women representation in village councils under Phek district at 8 for this tenure. As stated earlier, the corresponding tally for the previous tenure was 3.
The deputy commissioner also informed that all the 95 recognised villages under Phek district administration have formed their village councils as per the provision of Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act, and are now seeking government approval.
According to Chotso, the said Act does not restrict women from becoming members of village councils. Rather, he said: “Their participation as members of village council is likely to be more active, practical-oriented and more logical in formulation of policy matters and accurate on the part of implementation of schemes.”
With the selection of women in their village councils, he said, a difference in their respective performances was expected. “In no case, the inner political quality and social zeal of ladies shall be avoided in a backward community like the people of Phek District. But, the better quality of leadership irrespective of men or women in the district shall be selected as members of village council even in the years to come,” according to the deputy commissioner.
