Dr Elizabeth Walling urges Ao women to embody courage, confidence, and cultural pride in face of modern challenges
With renewed focus on women’s identity, community responsibility, and cultural continuity, Watsu Telen Kohima (WTK) held its general meeting on June 28 at Molu Ki, Kohima under the theme ‘Tekumkum Tetsur’ — symbolizing a woman who leads with independence, efficiency, and courage.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Elizabeth Walling, Principal of State College of Teacher Education, Kohima, described Tekumkum Tetsur as “a woman who is able to accomplish assigned work before others, without being lazy or depending on others for help but takes bold steps to achieve success.”
Such a woman, she said, is “outstanding and skillful in her work, confident to take up challenges, has very high esteem, and can rope in new projects with broad vision and positive attitude.” Dr. Walling further highlighted the significance of good decision-making, setting personal boundaries, maintaining relationships, and voicing out against injustice.
She warned against the dangers of a low-esteem mindset that “leads one to failure, mental sickness, depression, self-pity,” and urged every Watsu member to maintain a positive outlook and recognize their individual gifts. “Each individual is blessed with a work skill,” she reminded.
Touching on the relevance of community identity, Dr. Walling encouraged the gathering to work toward creating a “community specialty trademark” by combining individual skills and preserving cultural threads. She also acknowledged growing threats in society—such as suicide, family conflicts, and identity crises—and said women have the power to soothe these tensions “by changing their approach toward spouses and children through communication, discipline, and family time.”
Atula Wai, Member of the WTK Advisory Board, spoke on the topic ‘Ku Maitsu’ (My Identity), reminding women that “everyone is born special and we need not compare ourselves with others but rather accept ourselves as we are.” She urged parents to engage more actively with their children, cautioning that “many children today depend on Artificial Intelligence for answers instead of asking parents and elders.”
“Culture is our identity,” she said, and stressed that it must be preserved through conscious living. She spoke of the traditional tattooing of Ao women in the past, explaining that identity was also reflected through the colors and patterns of traditional shawls and wrap-around skirts.
T Chubayanger, President of Kohima Aor Telongjem, lauded the establishment of the WTK office at Molu Ki as a sign of unity. “For a union to move forward, it takes time,” he said, advising the members to be patient and goal-oriented, and to ensure that “the steps they take are pushing them forward.”
S Nukshirenla, outgoing President of WTK, offered a reflection on her tenure and recounted the unit’s journey, highlighting its stand against social discrimination, promotion of women’s empowerment, and its contribution to community upliftment. She also shared a brief history of the organization’s activities.
Reports on the Permanent Source of Income Committee and Trust Fund were also presented during the meeting. A moment of prayer was observed in memory of departed WTK members, and a special song was presented by Waromungtsur Telongjem Kohima.
The meeting concluded with the election of new WTK office bearers for the term 2025–2028:
President: Bendangsangla; Vice President: Alemla Mary; General Secretary: Dr. Akangnungla; Asst General Secretary: C Narola Jamir; Finance Secretary: Tenlamongla; and Asst Finance Secretary: Chubasenla
Ayula Longchar, outgoing Vice President, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was chaired by the current WTK office bearers.