Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM) Nagaland Unit was launched Saturday at Phom Baptist Church Chümoukedima. This movement originated from the National Women’s Conference held in 2014 and focuses on fostering solidarity among women from various backgrounds.
Dr. Keneipfenuo Rupreo, the convenor of ICWM Nagaland Unit, introduced the movement’s genesis and significance during the launch event. She emphasized the vision of fostering solidarity among Christian women, providing a platform for discipleship, and advocating at the national level for various issues concerning women.
The vision of ICWM, Dr Rupreo said, was to foster solidarity among Christian women, providing a platform for discipleship and advocacy at the national level. She said ICWM objectives include empowering women, collaborating with existing women’s departments of churches, and advocating for holistic well-being.
The official launching ceremony was marked by lighting of candles by Dimapur Baptist Women’s Union president, Khontele Seb. In her address, Seb underscored the importance of solidarity and the guiding role of the word of God in the movement.
She said the launch of ICWM unit was a significant step towards empowering Christian women and addressing societal challenges through collective action and advocacy, guided by the principles of solidarity and faith. Following the launching programme, a seminar on “Empowering Women Voters: Role Awareness and Political Engagement for Effective Governance” was held at the church premises with assistant professor, department of political science, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Dr. Renchumi Kikon Kuotsu, as the resource person.
While reflecting on the theme, especially about the upcoming Lok Sabha election, Kuotsu elaborated on the universal adult franchise and the struggle for women’s voting rights.
Dr. Kuotsu also underscored the historic significance for women in Nagaland, noting the election of two women to the State Assembly and the presence of a female Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha.
She also stressed the importance of the Nagaland Municipal Bill, which grants 33% reservation to women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), highlighting its potential impact on enhancing women’s political participation.
Dr. Kuotsu underscored the vital role of women’s participation in politics for societal advancement. She also delved on local governance, highlighting the experiences of women leaders and the hurdles they confront within patriarchal systems. Dr. Kuotsu also discussed about the legal framework governing village administration and the integration of women into local governing bodies.
She emphasized the need for women to engage meaningfully in politics beyond the act of voting, particularly in rural areas where their involvement was more prominent. The programme was chaired by Advocate and secretary of ICWM Nagaland, Neiteo Koza, treasurer of ICWM Nagaland Unit, A. Imtisangla Phom, delivered a welcome address. The current interim members include Khontele Seb, Lanusenla S Longchar, Dr. Shiluingla Jamir, and Dr. Akatoli. The executive board will undergo restructuring after the membership drive to ensure effective representation and leadership within the movement.