‘Women breaking societal barriers,’ affirms NCW Chairperson

WOW Season 2 team arrives in Nagaland 

Morung Express news 
Kohima | February 7

National Commission for Women, Delhi, Chairperson Rekha Sharma said that today it is significant to witness women taking on new roles and challenges by breaking societal barriers especially in areas like motor sports while reflecting on the historical division of responsibilities shared between men and women. 

She was speaking during a reception programme with Women on Wheels (WOW Season 2) team organised by the Nagaland State Commission for Women at Hotel Vivor, Kohima here in the evening. 

The team consisting of 24 members arrived in Kohima today where the department organised an interaction with the WOW members. 

Sharma noted that such stories of women gives other women a sense of empowerment through initiatives like WOW and thanked the team for their courage in leading the change. Apart from that the NCW chairperson said, ‘beyond that it serves as an inspiration for men too.’

The Chairperson said there are many avenues to explore hand in hand while travelling which include promotion of tourism, entrepreneurship and building livelihoods. 

Emphasising about the avenues, Sharma said “women are embracing not only material possessions but also enriching experiences and cultural understanding as they travel from one place to another and the recognition of Northeast India as an integral part of the country was seen as a positive outcome of such initiatives.”

Sharma also stressed on the role of tourism in providing job opportunities for women. She encouraged women to explore various avenues such as starting Airbnb ventures and engaging in traditional crafts and skill based activities like weaving. The NCW Chairperson also said stepping up out of the comfort zones broadens space for mutual growth and understanding in breaking down societal divisions.

Advisor for the Department of Social Welfare and MLA, Tapi AC, Wangpang Konyak said that the government of the day is committed towards promoting gender equality in the state in all spheres. In this regard, he noted that the government has made a move in providing political representation to women by recently passing of the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023, which reserves one-third of seats in urban local bodies for women. 

Others, he mentioned were having two women legislators in Nagaland for the first time in six decades of statehood. Konyak said this signifies a positive shift in the state’s political landscape.

He called the women on wheels representatives to carry the message back on how Nagaland is making swift changes to the landscape of equality in the face patriarchal society. 

Konyak further lauded the team for breaking barriers on the road through initiatives like WOW.

Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu spoke about Weaving Women’s stories where she spoke about how weaving and textiles associated with different tribes of the state remains an inherent, inseparable element of the Naga society. 

Textiles, Keditsu remarked that it plays a crucial role in uniting people with a common origin and added that it remains a significant form of maintaining cohesion. 

She also made mentioned that it shows Nagaland’s diversity, where every tribe, each having its unique language and culture, also have unique sets of colourful garments for men, women, elders and children. She discussed and mentioned about garments of different which also have stories behind it. 

Today, Keditsu said both traditional and contemporary textiles were becoming popular while stating that wrappers or shawls woven by Chizami women of the Chakhesang symbolizes the celebration of unity and the collective strength of women, showcasing the potential for remarkable achievements when women stand together.

She said embracing gender-inclusive occupations, adapting to changes, having our power and voice over narratives was a crucial step toward achieving gender equity. 

According to WOW members, the driving expedition is being organized by the Amazing Namaste Foundation and that the initiative is also part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)’

According to the team, the drive has participation of women from diverse backgrounds. It will provide as a means to promote domestic tourism, specifically focusing on the unexplored beauty and rich culture of Northeast India emphasising the unity of people, nation, and culture.

It also aims to provide people with the opportunity to experience and appreciate the warmth, hospitality, and diverse heritage of Nagaland, ultimately contributing to the promotion of Northeast tourism and fostering a sense of unity and shared culture across the nation.

Amazing Namaste is actively engaged in promoting Northeastern women across India through various activities, including events that invite people from different parts of the country to experience the region. 

The WOW initiative, involves two teams—one heading to Arunachal Pradesh and the other to Nagaland. The teams, comprising 24 members in six cars, were flagged off on February 4 from Cotton University, Guwahati. They are set to conclude their journey on February 10, returning to Guwahati after exploring and interacting with the culture, food, and tourism of the Northeast. 

Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nginyeih Konyak gave the introduction note and SMC, SHEW, Mission Shakti, Gracy Ayee chaired the programme. Vimeneno Chücha,

Phetsukiku cultural club from Khonoma village presented songs and concluding remarks was delivered by Secretary, social welfare, Martha R Ritse (IAS).