Nagaland: Empowerment within is where gender equality lies

March 9, 2023 96 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 9

“Who will give us this gender equality?” Khekali Y Sema, NPS Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dimapur posed this question to a gathering of women at the International Women’s Day celebration at Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID).

The celebration was organized by ACID cum National Domestic Workers’ Movement-Nagaland Region (NDWM) under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” which was held here, at Assisi Hall.

Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Sema implored the women that empowerment within us is where gender equality lies. Your own mind and your thought process that “I am no less than anyone” will bring about empowerment from within, she said while stating that we are not competing with men, but with “our own self.”

She said that God created women, and just like men, both are blessed with skills and talents and called upon the womenfolk to be aware of both their weaknesses and strengths. She encouraged them to be partakers in building a home and a society along with men, while maintaining that “we depend on each other.”

Sema went on share awareness on how to live in this digital world through 20 plus years of experience in the field of crime. Stating that the digital space has both positive and negative advantages, she said that the smartphones in our hands has no boundaries and if one is not cautious, then she is susceptible to victims of cyber crime, with attackers from anywhere in the world.

Pointing out that the maximum cases they receive are on financial fraudsters who ask details of bank accounts and ATM cards, Sema cautioned the women not to give out any information to anybody carelessly.

The second aspect of cyber crime was through online shopping, online payment and friendships made online. She asked women to be aware of such frauds and not to be carried away or get influenced by what you see and listen on social media. She advised the women domestic workers present not to give out any details of their employers, of whom they have easy accessibility and can easily be a target.

Highlighting the mental and emotional trauma caused by excessive use of social media, she cautioned them to set limitations for their own and for their children as well. She went on to say that even parents are influenced by social media and not just children, while adding, “One day you get up and you are influenced already.”

Now that you have learned to use, please learn how to protect yourself, Sema added. Celebrating the essence of women, she encouraged all to utilize one’s inborn talents and to “be true to who God created you to be.”

Guest of honour Rev Sr Juliana Periera, Vice Provincial Superior, UFC North East said that women deserve all the love and support for the wonderful persons that they are, especially for their contribution and hard work in the family and the society. Celebrating the lives of women across the globe, Periera was happy that women’s role is now rapidly changing with many women holding huge responsibilities in all spheres of work and not just limited to household chores.

In line with this year’s theme, she also highlighted the importance of utilizing technology and innovation to promote gender equality and empower women around the world. She said that education is one area that has been particularly effective in promoting gender equality.

Periera also said that ACID is one of the NGOs who has uplifted many women in the society to live a dignified life by reclaiming their rights. She acknowledged Sr Pramila Lobo, director and all the staff of ACID for their noble initiative towards women.

She urged all the women present to celebrate the progress that has been made, but also recognize the work that still needs to be done, and to ensure that women are empowered and have equal opportunities in this digital age.

The occasion was marked by songs and dance from different self help groups (SHGs), and a show on gender equality was presented by CRM Children.