‘Sustainable tomorrow’ rests on greater opportunity for women

March 9, 2022 60 Views No Comment

Imbalance of power in the socio-political structure must be addressed

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 9

The position of women in the Naga society and the concept of gender equality is quite the contrary. As pointed by Along Longkumer, the first Editor of The Morung Express, “While woman invest their time and energy to nurture and build home and family; cultivate and grow food for the community, men seem to be excessively interested in politics and power struggle.”

He was speaking at an International Women’s Day programme, in Dimapur on March 8, organised jointly by Sisterhood Network (SN), Dimapur; ActionAid Association, Guwahati and Rongmei Baptist Association.

According to him, it is an irony that women do not enjoy power, especially in decision making, as opposed to the great responsibility they shoulder.

Longkumer, who is also a Board Member of the Sisterhood Network, said that the imbalance of power in the social and political structure with respect to gender must be addressed. “I believe today’s theme, ‘(Gender) Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ centers around the need for inclusion of women in decision making and their participation at the policy formulation levels.”

Women’s participation in governance, he said, will improve the community response to challenges, including environmental issues induced by climate change. “Our womenfolk are more aware of the ground realities and their insights and experiences will bring about a more inclusive and result-oriented solutions,” he said.

Further, while the thrust has been to improve livelihood options for (rural) women, he also said that it should not come at the cost of health. “I believe a more balanced approach, focused on livelihood and health will guarantee ‘quality of life’ which will be the building blocks for a sustainable tomorrow.”

To the men, he said that the road towards a sustainable tomorrow requires “of us to address common concerns and to fix our problems… through a collective perspective and shared responsibility.”

Bano Vinito, former chairperson, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and also an SN Board Member, pointed out the tendency to favour boys over girls. She said, “Equality should begin in the family. We involuntarily tend to favour boys in the house. They are not made to do the chores. When they are in our homes, treat them equally. Education is empowerment and educating our children is our priority.”

While stating that women tend to “undermine ourselves,” she added that the intent should be to build self esteem and being aware of “your abilities.”

The programme also had women from the grassroots, who have taken the lead in rural community development initiatives like Self Help Groups. Guabonlie Gonmei, a woman from Peren district, said that domestic responsibilities often bog down women, while limiting mobility. According to her, it has been empowering to have taken the leap to embrace self-sustaining initiatives targeting rural women.

The other speakers included Tiakala Ao General Manager, NABARD, Dimapur; K Jianthailung, Branch Manager, NEDFI, Dimapur and Mrinal Gohain, Regional Manager & National Senior Lead, ActionAid Association, Guwahati. They spoke on the programmes and opportunities available to women for livelihood generation through financial institutions.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/sustainable-tomorrow-rests-on-greater-opportunity-for-women