Major breakthrough for gender equality in history of Naga women

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 9

The recent two Naga women elected to the 14th house of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has been well received during the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) at The Heritage, Kohima on March 8.

Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu were elected to the 14th NLA from 8th Western Angami AC and 2 Dimapur–II AC respectively in the recent 2023 State General Election.

“In the past whenever we met for such occasions, we started with a note that Naga women’s status was much better than other counterparts in the mainland and yet concluded that with a sad commentary that Naga women were yet to participate in the decision making body such as State Assembly. But our history is changed today,” said Dr P Kilemsungla, Padma Shree awardee and former member of UPSC while gracing the IWD celebration as the special guest.

“The wind is blowing into a different direction because two of our courageous women who fought for the 14th State Legislative Assembly have won. We are proud of them,” she said.

“This is a major breakthrough for gender equality in the history of Naga women. The floodgates are now open for women to participate in the decision making responsibilities in the state,” she added.

She was optimistic that many more women will come forward and participate in the decision making bodies in the future for a brighter and inclusive Naga society.

Touching on the IWD 2023 theme ‘Digit ALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ she said, “I realise that there is a great need to teach how to use the Information Technology wisely.” it should benefit individual and the society tangibly without destroying core values “at the same time protecting our positive cultural practices,” she added.

“We should never think that we are only women or just a girl. We are builders of our family, society and nation. God has created man and woman with different roles. We are functionally different, different entities but complement each other. We play a very important role and influence in shaping our nation,” she said.

She believed that today’s celebration “is a reminder of the new era of digitalisation we are living in, bridging the gaps of gender disparity, which is opening unlimited new doors in all aspect of life. So raise Naga women be the light and shine wherever you are called.”
 
On 33% women reservation 
In her keynote address, Anenla T Sato, Commissioner & Secretary for Women Resource Development & Horticulture stated that Naga women had fought a very good fight and won with regard to 33% women reservation in civic bodies. In this, she felt that Naga women have a great challenge ahead of them.

She remarked that among the women folk, “who can represent themselves should represent us, not by just a mere ordinary woman, because our participation has become very important in all the developments.” Educated and elite women should prepare “our women folk to face and occupy the 33% women reservation with dignity and pride.” Our representation should bring about positive changes, she opined.

Referring 2023 theme ‘Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ she said “Digital technology is opening new doors for the global empowerment of women, girls and other marginalized groups. From gender-responsive digital learning to tech-facilitated sexual and reproductive healthcare, the digital age represents an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate all forms of disparity and inequality.”

She said that the Department of Social Welfare, the Department of Women Resource Development, Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, and State Hub for Empowerment of Women have come together as a collective effort to call on everyone alike to put in their efforts to make the digital world safer, more inclusive and more equitable. ‘Facing a multiplicity of global crises, we have a chance to create a better future-not just for women and girls, but for all humanity and all life on earth,’ she added.
 
Mission Shakti for holistic empowerment of women
Martha R Ritse, Secretary, Social Welfare and Administrator, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board talked on Mission Shakti (Umbrella Scheme for Safety, Security & Empowerment of Women).

She said that the department of social welfare through Mission Shakti is striving to achieve its ultimate vision which is to strengthen the processes that promote holistic empowerment of women.

The objective of Mission Shakti is to provide to all women and girls including socially and economically marginalized and vulnerable groups, in need of care and protection, with short term and long term services and information for their holistic development and empowerment, she said.

“We are also pursuing with the Ministry to establish the District Hubs for empowerment of women, One Stop Centre, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao etc, in the newly formed districts,” Ritse said.

In line with Goal#5 of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the Government of Nagaland’s vision 2030: Leaving No One Behind,” she said, the department aims at achieving the goal of gender equality through its various activities.

‘Violence against women on rise’
As per NCRB Report, Nagaland is often highlighted for having very low crime report of violence against women, she said. However, many cases are being reported through our services line- One Stop Centre (OSC), Women Help Line (WHL)- 181, which caters to women affected by violence and those in distress situation, Ritse said. She said that OSCs and WHL-181 have catered to over 1000 cases since its inception related to gender based violence and women in distress situation.

Violence against women in digital spaces in on the rise too, she added.

Types of gender based violence received at OSC and WHL-181 are related to domestic violence, cyber crime, sexual harassment, rape, child sexual abuse and physical abuse, obscene phone calls/messages, missing, abandonment, unsound mind etc, she said.

Overview of Transformative Livelihood Intervention project & the Myki Initiative was shared by Vilone Sakhrie, Director, Women Resource Development, Nagaland.

Later, a technical workshop for students/faculty took place on the topic “Digital Citizenship & Gender Equity,” “Women in Technology: Scope for Information Technology” and “Safety and Security in digital spaces.” 

The speakers included: Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Asst Prof Kohima College, Moakumla Aier, Assistant Engineer, NIELIT and Kihika Sumi Chishi, Deputy SP Cyber Cell.

The programme was jointly organized by Department of Social Welfare, Department of Women Resource Development, Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and State Hub for Empowerment of Women.