Mokokchung, 8 March (MTNews): The District Administration of Mokokchung, in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women under the aegis of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mokokchung, and the Department of English at Fazl Ali College, celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” on 8 March 2024, at the Conference Hall, FAC.
Dr Imlirenla Walling, Ex-President of Watsü Mungdang, delivered the keynote address on the topic of “Property Rights of Women in the Ao Naga Context.” Dr Walling presented a semi-structured paper highlighting two crucial aspects: Inherited or Ancestral property, and Acquired or Achieved property. She emphasized the role of women in Naga patriarchal society, where women are still struggling to find their place in decision-making bodies and the inheritance of parental properties. Dr Walling stated that property rights among the Ao’s heavily favor men, asserting that patrilineal inheritance threatens the society and the well-being of women, especially those financially dependent on their spouses and parents.
A panel discussion titled “Carving a Space of Her Own: A Discussion on Naga Women Writers” was moderated by Dr Moalemla Imchen. Panelists included student representatives from Clark Theological College, Mokokchung College of Teacher Education, People’s College, Mokokchung, in addition to the host college.
Ms Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao, SDO Civil, Mokokchung, delivered the concluding remarks, stating that the main purpose of the panel discussion on International Women’s Day was to initiate an insightful discourse on the position of women in society today. To accelerate women’s progress, she emphasized the importance of electing a women representative from Mokokchung district to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, considering the Ao’s pioneering role in education, progress, and development. Ms Ashao also asserted that economically independent women are the first step towards the empowerment of women, urging them to avail themselves of women-centric welfare schemes aimed at making them self-reliant and becoming catalysts of change for future generations.
The program was attended by faculty members, student representatives from various colleges, and a host of well-wishers.
