The Central Women Wing of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ at the NPF Central Office, Kohima, with Prof. Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Advisor of Naga Mothers’ Association & Co-Convenor of Global Naga Forum, as the Special Guest of the event.
Addressing the women leaders, Dr. Rosemary asserted that the theme, ‘Give to Gain’ itself is an ardent appeal to provide education to the women folks and the girl child to gain an empowered society, giving equal rights and opportunity to women for gaining justice, safety, and better economic growth, while reminding that equality is not only in words but it should ensure that women and girls everywhere can live with dignity, fairness and equal opportunities.
She also recalled that the political empowerment for women began in the year 1977 with Rano Shaiza as the first woman Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, and now with the two women elected members in the State Assembly, representing the voice of women in the highest decision making body. Furthermore, reservation for women in the municipalities has brought tremendous changes with more than a hundred women in the urban local bodies after many years of litigation, riots, death threats and violence against women leaders. Yet, she expressed her profound gratitude to the present government and the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, for boldly taking a stand and successfully conducting the ULB election with 33% reservation for women, which is no mean feat, she stated.
Dr. Dzuvichu also underscored the importance of women leaders in political parties to bring forth positive changes, be it socially, politically or economically, while protecting women’s right, justice and empowerment policies. It is also expected of women leaders to raise issues on women education, healthcare, and also help to introduce and support laws related to women’s right, gender equality and protection against violence.
While expounding on migration of girls and young women to cities in search of job, she insisted that strategies should be worked out to find proper employment through entrepreneurship avenues and skilling programs to combat such problem. She further elaborated that domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking and online abuse remain widespread, and hence called upon the women leaders to take up their roles seriously and work diligently towards curbing these anti-social menaces in the society.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chumben Murry, Advisor to Chief Minister, Senior Vice-President & COB In charge of Central Women Wing, and Hon’ble MLA and Secretary General Mr. Achumbemo Kikon shared words of motivation and encouragement with the women leaders.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Vikali A. Zhimomi, Working-President of the NPF Central Women Wing, Hetoli Achumi, Vice-President pronounced the invocation, while President of the NPF Central Women Wing, Sano Vamuzo extended the welcome address and Yanhola, Working-President of CWW delivered the words of gratitude.