MMC councilors along with NStCB officials, beneficiaries and
others after the International Women’s Day programme in Mokokchung town on
March 8.
MOKOKCHUNG — The
Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), in collaboration with the Nagaland State
Cooperative Bank (NStCB), observed International Women’s Day on March 8 at its
conference hall on the theme "Accelerate Action."
The event featured a seminar on "Investing to
transform," aimed at empowering women through financial literacy and
support.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Temjenmenla, district
horticulture officer of Mokokchung, highlighted the significance of
International Women’s Day. She underscored the importance of fast-tracking
gender equality by increasing opportunities in education, employment and
economic development for women.
Focusing on women empowerment, she encouraged women to explore
entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in horticulture, to enhance financial
independence and boost the local economy.
She suggested six key enterprise options namely nursery
establishment, floriculture, vermi vomposting, mushroom cultivation and food processing.
She also encouraged women to leverage government schemes like Mudra Yojana,
Stand-up India and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative Scheme (CMFIS)
for financial assistance.
Imtiyapang, MMC councilor and NStCB board of director,
acknowledged the pivotal role played by women in Mokokchung’s economy, noting
that 90% of small businesses and street vendors are women.
He highlighted NStCB’s commitment to supporting women
entrepreneurs through low-interest loans and hassle-free financial assistance.
He urged women to form self-help groups and take advantage of the bank’s
services to achieve financial independence.
With 90% of small businesses and street vendors in
Mokokchung being women, he referred to them as "backbone of Mokokchung’s
economy."
He further assured the participants of the bank's commitment
to providing low-interest loans and hassle-free financial assistance to women
entrepreneurs.
Temsulepden Imchen, NStCB branch manager of Mokokchung,
emphasised the importance of financial literacy and disciplined money
management. He urged women to distinguish between needs and wants to ensure
financial stability.
He introduced three major financial schemes of NStCB to
benefit women entrepreneurs namely General Credit Card (GCC) aimed at small businesses
with loans up to INR1 lakh at 9% annual interest; Joint Liability Group (JLG),
a collateral-free loan scheme for groups of at least four members with loans
starting from INR 2 lakh at 12% interest per annum and Chief Minister’s Micro
Finance Initiative Scheme (CMFIS), a state-level government-sponsored scheme
offering a 30% subsidy for entrepreneurs with viable business plans.
The event featured handing over of loan forms to 20
beneficiaries from all wards of Mokokchung town.
People’s College in Mokokchung also commemorated
International Women’s Day on March 8 by organising a discussion on the
achievements and ongoing struggles of women throughout history. The discussion
was focused on breaking societal barriers, challenging biases and empowering future
generations.
Anuba, a 4th semester student, spoke on “Women and their
status quo,” while Alemjungshi from the History department spoke on “The role
of women in everybody’s life.”
In another programme, NABARD Phek district office, in
collaboration with the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS), celebrated
International Women’s Day on March 3 at Pioneers Complex in Pfutsero town.
Delivering the keynote address, the Phek superintendent of
police and special guest, Dr. Pritpal Kaur, commended the resilience and
contributions of women in various fields and emphasised the importance of
financial independence, education and leadership. She encouraged women to
actively participate in decision-making processes and utilise available
government and financial schemes for their growth.
Dr. Kaur urged the women to break barriers and seize
opportunities in all fields including administration, entrepreneurship and
community leadership.
During the event, a diversified product from a GI product of
Chakhesang shawl “Samakhu” was also launched which was developed as part of the
‘Post GI’ project funded by the NABARD.
Meanwhile, commemorating International Women’s Day, Dimapur
24/7 has honoured three women for their significant contributions to society on
March 8.
The organisation has honoured Azule, a traditional healer
and massage therapist;
Anita (Rani) Saha, mother of Niranjan Saha, founder of the
Vivekananda Welfare Foundation (VWF); and Seema Bhowal, a social worker.
Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN), in
collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD), also celebrated International Women’s s Day on March 8 at Hotel
Saramati, Dimapur.
Delivering the keynote address, NABARD general manager,
Pauliankap Bulte, mentioned that “women shape the intangible, but it is crucial
to bring forth the tangible contribution they make.” Stating that women are at
the heart of NABARD’s initiatives, he said that it is through collaborations
that its commitment leads to lasting change.
The highlight of the day was panel discussion on ‘Women in
Nagaland- An introspection of rights and gender equality’ moderated by Ovi K
Yeptho and the panelists were Neiteo Koza, Paul Lokho and Temsusenla Kichu.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Alemjungla Jamir, called for
all to come together and work for gender equality.
