The Women’s Studies Centre (WSC), Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema, celebrated International Women’s Day at the Ladies’ Common Room, Nagaland University, Meriema, on 7 March 2025 in line with the UN theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” and the 2025 campaign theme “Accelerate Action,” the event was organized to raise awareness about gender inclusion and gender parity.
Professor Buno Zetsuvi from the Department of Education, Nagaland University, delivering her message, said that International Women’s Day is a day to recognize how far we have come toward gender equality and how far we still have to go. She also noted that the day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the compounded challenges faced by women globally and to join voices with people worldwide to affirm that women’s rights are human rights.
Buno pointed out that the traditional Naga society followed a patriarchal system, dominated by a male population that enjoyed more privileges culturally, socially, economically, and politically. She added that, in the past, only males had the authority to decide on all major and important aspects and activities of society. However, she emphasized that today’s modern Naga women enjoy more privileges, freedom, and liberty.
She further remarked that Naga women are now more educated, knowledgeable, and hold leadership roles in government offices, institutions, and organizations, as well as being politically active. Her contribution to all spheres of development cannot be underestimated. However, Buno acknowledged that challenges relating to social, cultural, economic, and political empowerment still need to be addressed.
Buno hopes for a paradigm shift toward gender equality, starting from the campus, and that this trend will serve as a stepping stone to a future of better equality in society.
The Resource Person for the event, State Mission Coordinator of the State Hub for Empowerment of Women – Mission Shakti, Gracy Ayee, shared her thoughts, stating that International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of achievements but also a platform to reflect on the different forms of discrimination, biases, and stereotypes that women face due to their gender.
Stressing the objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Ayee appealed to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls and to ensure that women reach their full potential. She emphasized that women should be given equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making, in political, economic, and social public life.
Ayee also strongly emphasized enhancing the use of technology to promote women’s empowerment. She encouraged men to be part of women’s progress and to offer all possible support to distressed women.
On the topic of digitalization, Ayee pointed out that with digital empowerment, more women are affected, and many fall victim to cybercrime and bullying. She added that, with new challenges, women’s issues are only increasing.
Ayee stated that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a just and progressive society.
Exhorting the gathering, Associate Professor of the Department of Tenyidie, Dr Petekhrienuo Sorhie, remarked that this year’s theme calls for accelerated action toward unlocking equal rights, power, and opportunities for women and girls, where no one is left behind. She noted that Naga women today are evolving, redefining their presence in various ways, overcoming traditional constraints, and seizing new opportunities. She also highlighted the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasized the importance of equity in present contexts.
Dr. Khotole Khieya, Director in charge of the Women’s Studies Centre, called for collective action for gender equality and for addressing the barriers that women face. She also said that the event is a celebration of the achievements, contributions, and progress of women worldwide.
Other highlights of the event included a special performance by W Pongle and friends. The event was attended by faculty members, students, and PhD scholars.