International Women’s Day was celebrated a day early on March 7, as the official date coincides with a holiday. Communities, organizations, and schools joined in marking the occasion.
CHUMOUKEDIMA LOTHA ELOE EKHUNG (HOHO): Chumoukedima Lotha Eloe Ekhung ( Hoho) celebrated advance International Women’s Day ( IWD) at LUC Hall Chumoukedima, on March 7 with DPRO Wokha, Lolano Patton as the theme speaker.
According to DPRO report, dwelling on the IWD 2026 theme, ‘Give to gain,’ Patton opined that the word ‘Give’ does not only amplify from monetary or materialistic perspective but felt that sharing our wisdom, giving our time to nurture the girl child , community, and society has a deeper impact .
Patton urged the women gathering to empower, uplift and support one another so as to inspire the next generation of girls, thus building a future where every woman can rise with dignity and confidence. On the occasion, Patton lauded the Chumoukedima Lotha Eloe Ekhung ( Hoho) team led by president Loponi Ngullie for sacrificing their time, energy, resources, and talents while undertaking several beautification programmes, and taking the lead in organizing several programmes befitting the occasions. Citing the example of astronaut Sunita Williams, who walked in the space for 300 days, Lolano said that women can reach the highest achievement and inspire the world. She encouraged them to fulfil their aspirations and dreams taking inspiration from women like Sunita Williams.
The theme speaker also talked about Jasmina Zeliang, a well known entrepreneur from Nagaland who helped take the traditional Naga weaving to the global stage and has created livelihoods for many women.
President CLEE, Loponi Ngullie delivered the welcome note while treasurer CLEE, Renchilo Ezung invoked God’s blessings. President DLEE, Lichano Jami pronounced the benediction.
The programme was chaired by CLEE finance secretary, Yisanbeni Ovung, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
WOKHA DISTRICT: Wokha district celebrated International Women’s Day at Tiyi Hall on March 7 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. for All Women and Girls.”
The programme was organised by the Wokha district administration, Department of Social Welfare, District Hub for Empowerment of Women, and Sakhi One Stop Centre under Mission Shakti in collaboration with Lotha Eloe Hoho and the Wokha District Legal Services Authority. Secretary, home department, Government of Nagaland, Elizabeth Ngully, graced the occasion as the special guest.
In her address, the special guest highlighted that women across the world still face discrimination and noted that women enjoy only about 64 percent of the legal rights that men have. She stressed the need to ensure equal opportunities, participation in decision-making, and the importance of speaking up against discrimination.
Referring to the context of Nagaland, she stated that while women have always been respected, they are often side-lined from decision-making processes. She noted that the recent introduction of women’s reservation in urban local bodies has opened doors for greater participation, with women now serving as councillors. She also pointed out that women are often expected to limit their ambitions, being told to be confident but not outspoken, and to follow certain social expectations. Despite these challenges, she acknowledged that many women continue to pursue their dreams while balancing family responsibilities. The special guest emphasised that providing equal opportunities for women does not take away opportunities from others but strengthens society as a whole. She called for raising daughters with confidence and sons with respect, creating fair workplaces, and ensuring women are included in decision-making platforms.
Stating that the demand for equal rights is not a competition with men, she added that equality ultimately makes society stronger for everyone.
Speaking at the programme, ADC Wokha Renbomo Ezung encouraged the organisers to also invite men to such events so that they too become aware of women’s rights.
Lotha Eloe Hoho president Thungbeni Ngullie called upon women to value the significance of International Women’s Day, noting that it has long been observed to raise awareness against discrimination faced by women and girls. She emphasised that women are capable and should never underestimate themselves, adding that women can achieve anything that men can if they believe in their potential. During the programme, felicitation and awards were also presented to recognise outstanding achievements. Awards were given to the Best Performing Self-Help Group (SHG), Successful Entrepreneur (Business), and Upcoming Entrepreneur (Business). Winners of the Flower Exhibition were also awarded for their entries.
(Correspondent)
MON: District administration, Department of Social Welfare, DHEW, Sakhi-OSC in collaboration with Baptist Women Union, Mon Town organised International Women’s Day with the theme “Right. Justice. Action. For all women and Girls” on March 7 at Social Welfare Conference Hall, Mon Town with B. Kerry Konyak, Advocate, Meghalaya High Court was the resource person for the programme.
According to DIPR report, the resource person explained the rights and privileges of a woman and fundamental rights- Rights to equality and equality before the law. All these rights are given to empower women in the society, he added. He encouraged the gathering to know their rights and stand up for their justice and action. He also explained the social structure of our society- the cultural and traditional limitations for women folk and asserted that all these barriers will be overcome through education. Stating that change will begin from respective homes at the grassroot level, he urged to implement equal respect and opportunities from the family.
Kedoseno Rino, EAC Mon in her short speech said being a woman in our society means embodying the resilient backbone of family and community, where our role fuses strength, cultural guardianship and interdependence with men. She said it is truly a blessing to be born as a woman- a force of resilience, nurturing and strength, where society cannot progress when half of its population is neglected. Neijoi Konyak, specialist, DHEW highlighted the components of Mission Shakti. Anganwadi Workers:- Khahngom from Mon Project, Monghai Konyak from Tizit Project, Sony from Aboi Project, Ngapsha from Phomching project, Teme Konyak from Wakching Project and Ahong Mercy Konyak from Tobu Project were felicitated for their good performance. The programme was chaired by Ngapkai, Para Medical Personnel, OSC. Welcome address was delivered by Atong Yanlem, DWO, Mon and invocation was pronounced by Roiseng, Finance Secretary, Baptist Women Union. A song was presented by Esther, while the programme culminated with a vote of thanks by Gonyei Konyak, specialist in Financial Literacy, DHEW.
NUKMEN BAPTIST CHURCH, DIMAPUR: The women’s ministry of Nukmen Baptist Church, Dimapur, organized a special exhibition to celebrate womanhood, talent, and dignity on the eve of International Women’s Day.
A press release by Nukmen Baptist Church, Darogapathar, pastor, Kilangsang stated that the event featured a wide variety of traditional food items, traditional clothing, necklaces, earrings, baked cakes and biscuits, as well as continental cuisines prepared and displayed by the participants. The welcome speech was delivered by Women’s leader, Assoc. Pastor (W), Alemla Longchar, while the invocation was pronounced by Rev. Kilang Longkumer.
A total of 26 individuals and groups took part in setting up their stalls, showcasing their skills, creativity, and cultural heritage.
