The International Women’s Day was celebrated at Holy Cross Auditorium, Dimapur, with a special programme organized by the Holy Cross Catholic Women Association (HCCWA) on Saturday. The event began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev Fr John PM, Parish Priest.
During the Mass, the first reading was delivered by Rosemary Rongmei, President of HCCWA, while K Sylvia Zeliang led the Responsorial Psalm. The second reading was taken by Mrs Kilim Ruth, and the Prayer of the Faithful was led by Mrs Khono Maria.
The second session of the program was led by Mrs Caroline, President of HCCWA. Rev Sr Ethel Yanthan, NCWA Women Coordinator, addressed the gathering as the keynote speaker. In her speech, she traced the historical roots of the women’s rights movement, recalling that in 1908, around 15,000 women marched in New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights – a movement that later became the foundation for the global observance of International Women’s Day.
The program also featured an invocation by Ms. Ruth Bodo Kachari, a special performance by the Lotha community, and entertainment presented by HCCWA office bearers. The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, carrying the message: “Empowering women to empower the world.”