Vevoyi WD Vadeo urges women to become architects of a sustainable future

KOHIMA — The National Vice President of the National People’s Party (NPP), Vevoyi WD Vadeo, on Saturday called upon women of the Secheku area to transcend traditional boundaries and become architects of a sustainable future through entrepreneurship, education, and leadership.

He was addressing the 29th general session of the Secheku Women Welfare Society, hosted by the Zhavame Women Society at St. Xavier Catholic Church Jubilee Hall, Zhavame.

Vadeo observed that for centuries, women have shouldered the weight of the community, working tirelessly behind the scenes, yet their efforts often go unseen and unrecognised. “Like honeybees, society enjoys the benefits but overlooks their hard work,” he remarked, adding that despite their vital role, women continue to face discrimination in modern society.

Reflecting on the perception of gender roles, he stated that the undervaluing of women in society stems from two main factors — internalised inferiority and a misapplication of traditional roles. He explained that while Naga traditions historically assigned men to physically demanding tasks like warfare, women were accorded great respect and recognition, as reflected in the ‘Shawl of Merit’ and ‘Stone of Merit’.

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Vadeo asserted that Naga tradition is not inherently discriminatory but complementary in nature, emphasising that the issue lies in mindset rather than custom.

Highlighting women’s economic contribution, he noted that women have always been the backbone of conventional wealth and economy through their roles in farming, animal husbandry, weaving, and handicrafts. He acknowledged that many families continue to depend on women’s labour and earnings for survival.

Vadeo urged women to “revolutionise their mindset” and take the lead in entrepreneurial, educational, economic, social, cultural, and religious spheres. He commended the women of Secheku for their growing participation in entrepreneurship and encouraged them to “amplify their impact and expand their horizons”.

He underscored education as the foundation for empowerment, calling it “the key to unlocking women’s potential”. Education, he said, enables women to acquire the skills necessary to start and sustain businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

Touching upon economic drain, Vadeo cautioned that excessive reliance on external markets and services weakens local economies. He urged the community to support local entrepreneurs, products, and schools to strengthen internal economic growth.

Calling for greater female participation in leadership, Vadeo said that traditional practices had long limited women’s roles in decision-making, but it is now time to change that narrative. He emphasised that capable women must not limit themselves to symbolic roles or rely solely on reservations.

On unity, Vadeo lauded the Secheku community’s strength and harmony, describing it as “the cornerstone of unity for the Chakhesang tribe”. He urged the people to preserve their unity in diversity — “four sub-dialects, one people, one purpose” — to achieve greater progress together.

Delivering greetings, Kezevinuo Krome, general secretary of the Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA), challenged the women to uphold their hard-working nature and focus on the development and progress of their children to ensure their future.

Earlier, Dezele Thopi, in her presidential address, stated that women are caregivers to society and called upon them to unlock their potential by embracing good things to prosper.