Women’s Day celebration across Nagaland (Lede –PHOTO)

“Today’s woman is no longer a dependent soul; she is independent and self-reliant in every respect and is capable of doing everything”

[caption id="attachment_237606" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Kevekha Kevin Zehol flags off Run for Women marathon to mark International Women’s Day in Dimapur on March 8.[/caption] Eastern Mirror Desk Dimapur, March 8: Along with the rest of the world, Dimapur celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, but with a difference. The city observed the occasion by organising a marathon with the theme: “Run for Women.” About 200 citizens took part in the marathon, which was flagged off at Clock Tower and culminated at Dimapur badminton stadium. People from all walks of life - students, leaders, and common men and women participated in the marathon. Several like-minded organisations from the city like Serendip Guardians, Prodigals’ Home, NEISSR, SAKHI-one stop centre, Love Care Home, Nehru Yuva Kendra, and Peace Channel organised the event. Director of Serendip Guardians, Rini Ghose told Eastern Mirror on the sidelines of the programme that the “run for women” was organised to encourage the society to "think equal, build smart, and innovate for change," while acknowledging the contributions of women in the society. Ghose opined that various organisations in Dimapur have been working in their own “bubble” all this while with objective to offer something to the society. “Nevertheless, at the end we are working for the same society,” he said adding that “us coming together, the work is lighter and we are able to create bigger impact with different organisations addressing different issues, which create bigger impact on the group we work with.” Upon the culmination of the marathon at the Dimapur badminton stadium, the participants were led to some fun-filled ‘Zumba fitness’ and ‘body combat’ by the trainers of Performing Arts With Fitness (PAWF). Earlier in the day, while flagging the marathon off, deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol congratulated all the women, stating that there is a woman behind the success of every man, starting from the very birth. Deputy commissioner of police, Zone II, Dimapur, Vishal Chauhan, said at the closing ceremony of the programme that International Women’s Day was celebrated globally to show respect, appreciation, love, and care towards women. “Today’s woman is no longer a dependent soul; she is independent and self-reliant in every respect and is capable of doing everything,” said Chauhan while encouraging women to recognise the importance of their existence. Nagaland University Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami (NUSU- L) celebrated International Women's Day at I.Ihoshe Kinimi Hall on March 8 with guest speaker Dr. Abeny Khuvung speaking on the theme: “Be fiercely Authentic.” Khuvung told the students “to be the kind of woman, wife, mother, daughter and sister that everyone will respect.” She encouraged and motivated them by sharing her real life story, according to a press release issued by NUSU (L). She encouraged woman to put an end to negative cycle and become agents of change in the society. She also stressed on the need for women to be “gentle, fierce, and compassionate; to uplift one another and to become a woman of wisdom.” Women coordinator of NUSU (L) Mhonyani Patton, Deputy Registrar, academic section, Nagaland University Dr. Anthony Richa, and asst. professor, department of Political Science of the university Monalisa Tase also spoke during the programme. Phek The Phek Town Women Baptist Union in collaboration with the district administration under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme organised International Women's Day celebration under the theme "Balance for better" at Phek Town Baptist Church. Zaposhelu Venuh and Votalü Luru-o were awarded in recognition of their valuable service and contribution towards uplift of women community and welfare of girl child in the district at the event. An update from DIPR informed that SDO Civil HQ, T. Lemlila Sangtam and Vevolu Khamo spoke during the programme. Pfutsero Joining the rest of the world, the Chakesang women welfare society in collaboration with the Pfutsero Town Mothers’ Association celebrated International Women’s Day on the March 8 with Dr. Diana as its main speaker. The representatives of eleven sectors of Pfutsero town attended the function. Dr. Diana urged the gathering to transform the society based on laws and acts formulated by the constitution for women rights and safety, said an update from APRO Pfutsero. She also appealed women organisations, institutions and individuals to initiate a change of mindset and fight for their rights and equality. Bhandari The district administration, Wokha organised International Women's Day-cum-literary competition under Beti Bachao Beti Badhao at the Town Hall Bhandari on March 8. Special guest of the programme and president of Eloe Hoho Bhandari, Thungsali Odyuo thanked the district administration for taking the effort to help empower and uplift women in the society by making them aware of their rights, potentials and worth; and be partners in building a progressive society for all on equal terms, said an update from APRO Bhandari. She also called upon the women to “take the opportunities in positive ways to help build better homes and families which will reflect in the life of the society and nation as a whole.” Additional deputy commissioner, Bhandari, Tiameren Chang, in his keynote address stated that “a society which does not acknowledge or value the contribution that women as mothers,  wives, daughters and sisters gives without condition” won’t progress. He also urged the gathering to support and respect the responsibilities they take up for the good of all. Students from several schools also participated in extempore, prepared and narrative speech competition during the programme. Peren The department of Social Welfare, Peren observed International Women's Day under the theme "Think equal, Build smart, Innovate for change" at Peren Town GB Hall. Zeliangrong Mipui organisation Nagaland president Apeuna I Heilung spoke on the significance of the occasion during the programme, according to an update issued by ShahlongPhom, IA Peren. Eastern Christian College The Eastern Christian College participated in the Exhibition-cum-Trade Fair & Seminar Coaleseing organised by North East Women Entrepreneur Association (NEWEA), Nagaland Chapter, on March and observed International Women’s Day on the theme “Balance for Better” the next day, stated an update from IQAC. FPAI Capital College of Higher Education and Family Planning Association of India, Nagaland branch observed International Women's Day under the theme “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” on Friday. Sentilemla Longkumer, M&E officer FPAI exposed the theme, while resource person Ville Rhetso, counsellor FPA India talked on women's health challenges and issues including hygiene. Leo Club Leo Club, Dimapur celebrated International Women's Day with a difference by distributing sanitary pads to some needy women living in the slum area, and Leo girls tried to bring about awareness on menstrual hygiene, according to an update issued by Leo Pravin Jain, PRO Leo Club of Dimapur. The programme was a brainchild of the club’s female members. Rotaract Club The Rotaract Club of Dimapur and Innerwheel Club of Dimapur celebrated International Women's Day at Government Middle School on Friday by organising a seminar on menstrual hygiene under "WeForHer 2.0" which was done by 47 Rotaract clubs in India. The Dimapur-based clubs also distributed 2200 sanitary pads to the students. Assisi Centre for Integrated Development Assisi Centre for Integrated Development-cum-National Domestic Worker’s Movement, Nagaland Region celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for change” in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority on March 8 in Assisi Auditorium. Director of ACID Sr. Pramila said women are a bundle of beauty, wisdom and care; she has climbed the mountains, and divided the ocean; she has matched the steps with every man in the world, and that International Women’s Day celebrates the power of women- their rights and role in the society, said an update from ACID. She went on to say that “our mother is one person who makes us realise our dreams. They are the people in our life who work all day and night and that too without getting paid for it. Cheers to the existence of this great creature of the universe.” Resource person of the event, Ajongba Imchen said that Dimapur District Legal Services Authority is at the service of women, and that the All Nagaland Domestic Workers’ Union was formed last year for the welfare of domestic workers. While highlighting Sexual Harassment of Women at work place (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act 2013, he urged the women to speak up and stand for their rights. He also assured that the Legal Services Authority is always there to rescue and protect them. Proprietor of Love Care Home N.K. Keny said that “women have their rights, identity, and equality and empowered” but at times become the agents of crime. She asked all the women to become a model of peace, equality and voice to the voiceless. Special Invitee, Sr. Mary Dukru, coordinator for Social and Health Development, UFS-NE province said that “God created a woman beautifully. The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence. Whenever women stand for herself, she stands up for all women.” She also encouraged the gathering (women) to dream big and that “women are the one who think twice for the growth of the family and society.” Asst. Labour Commissioner W. Tamwang Konyak said that men and women are equal, and that “it is we who make gender disparity or gender inequality.” The day like this is to look back and see all the wonderful things done by women and to appreciate them, he added. Dimapur Govt. College The male members of Dimapur Government College faculty organised a programme to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” to honour and thank the women faculty members. Two documentary films -- “Our Work, Our Identity” that portrays the conditions of local women engaged in street vending, and “Pray  the  Devil  Back  to  Hell” which chronicles the remarkable story of Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country -- were screened during the occasion. A short video with the messages of “respect and gratitude towards the women” from men folk, including students was also screened at the event. Longleng International Woman’s Day was celebrated at Longleng in collaboration with Phomla Hoichem, the apex women’s organisation of the Phom community, at EBRC hall on Friday. Bichano Kikon, EAC Yachem, who spoke on the theme “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change,” said that innovation is taking place in every field in this fast-changing world but it necessary to check if such innovation benefits women, said an update from DPRO, Longleng. “We must come out of the cocoon to explore and to encourage each other to bring change for a better society. Like charity begins at home innovation too must start from our family,” she added. CDPO Tamlu T. Longlang highlighted various activities and schemes for women and children under the Social Welfare department and requested them to avail it.