The 23rd General Conference of the apex Ao women’s organization, Watsü Mungdang, concluded on April 11 at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, held under the theme Yakpangsür (Forerunners).
The second session of the two-day conference featured Rev. Dr. Wati Longchar, Executive Director of the Foundation for Theological Education in Asia and the Pacific (FTEAP), as the main speaker. The valedictory session included the main business hour of the conference, the appointment of a new team of officials, and the adoption of resolutions.
Speaking on the topic ”Telemtetba agiyim nung Yakpangsür” (Forerunners in Decision-Making), Rev. Dr. Wati Longchar expressed regret that contemporary Ao Naga society still practices a “faceless” culture that discriminates against women in decision-making bodies. Stating that culture is not static and must evolve, he urged women to fearlessly participate in all spheres of life and leadership roles, shedding the subordinate mindset. He also discouraged harboring an inferiority complex.
Delivering a short speech at the session, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsüvisie Phoji, expressed gratitude for the support, cooperation, guidance, and advice extended by Watsü Mungdang during his two years of service in the district administration. He stated that beyond personal responsibilities, individuals should also be concerned with the society and environment in which they live. Additionally, Phoji shared concern that the district relies on other states for its agricultural produce. He urged women and mothers to embrace agriculture as a tradition, which would help the district become self-reliant in food production.
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Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, in his exhortation, stated that women in Ao Naga society have always been held in high esteem and have contributed to the progress of society since the days at Chungliyimti.
He acknowledged that society will always face challenges but emphasized the importance of addressing them in good faith. He stressed the foundational importance of Ao traditional ethos and upholding the truth.
He also encouraged mothers to inculcate the importance of the native language in children and youth, and to preserve the Ao language.
The General Conference also adopted a resolution to organise competitions in Ao literature and to institute literary awards to encourage writers. The resolution will be implemented by the School of Culture of the Watsü Mungdang. More than 800 delegates from all the units of the organisation attended the two-day conference.
A new team of office bearers for the next tenure of the Watsü Mungdang was appointed, led by: President – Tianaro Jamir (Longsa); Vice President – I. Tangitla (Asangma); General Secretary – Nokinnaro (Mangmetong); and Assistant Secretary – Wapangienla (Aonokpu), with Zülurenla (Süngratsü) as the Treasurer.
