Nagaland Deputy chief minister Y. Patton urges women’s role in governance

Nagaland Deputy chief minister Y. Patton on Tuesday appreciated the unity displayed by the Lotha women organisation and encouraged greater participation in governance, including parliamentary roles.
He was speaking as special guest at the 9th conference of Lotha Eloe Hoho held at Town Hall, Wokha, which brought together leaders, educators and community representatives to deliberate on women’s participation in governance, social progress and environmental conservation.
Patton also lauded the Lotha Youth Hoho for its resolution supporting a drug-free Wokha, stressing collective responsibility against substance abuse and HIV and AIDS. He also raised concerns over declining agricultural practices, urging youth to return to farming, while announcing plans to sponsor Eloe Hoho members to Mizoram to study community-driven development. He further cautioned against illegal immigration and highlighted the importance of preserving the Lotha language from an early age.
Delivering the theme address, Dr. N. Janbemo Humtsoe, vice president of Lotha Academy, spoke on “Women of Vision, Shaping the Future.” He emphasized women’s growing role in entrepreneurship, church leadership and education, urging them to think independently, make informed decisions and work collectively for societal progress.
Lotha Hoho chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung also highlighted the proactive role of the Eloe Hoho in addressing social challenges, particularly in curbing illegal activities.
The second session was graced by advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, while Wildlife Warden Dimapur, Dr. C. Zubeni Tsanglao was theme speaker.
Addressing the gathering, Yanthan urged women to uphold the spirit of the Lotha Eloe Hoho as a collective body and strengthen its role in society. He observed that Lotha women are at a crucial crossroads—balancing ancestral traditions with modern changes—and noted that many are adapting to evolving times. He remarked that women are no longer confined to being guardians of culture but are increasingly taking the lead across diverse fields.
On gender equality, Yanthan stated that women in Nagaland, particularly Lotha women, are excelling and, in many instances, outperforming men. He emphasized their growing role in decision-making and urged them to contribute actively to societal progress. Highlighting Wokha’s fertile land, he called for better use of resources, marketing strategies and value addition, while stressing collaboration for holistic development. He further underscored the importance of education, describing it as one of the greatest investments, and encouraged women to be confident, self-reliant and active contributors to society, including in business and economic participation.
Delivering the theme address, Dr. Tsanglao highlighted that environmental conservation is deeply intertwined with culture and heritage. She noted that women possess extensive ecological knowledge, preserved through traditional practices such as crop diversity, intercropping and crop rotation.
She emphasized women’s role in decision-making related to forest resources and their understanding of safe drinking water, describing them as custodians of indigenous knowledge and advocates for nature.
Extending greetings, DC Wokha, Mhathung Tsanglao described Lotha women as architects of society, shaping and strengthening it from households to communities.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding indigenous seeds to ensure food security and sustainability, urging people to preserve traditional seeds used by ancestors rather than relying solely on market varieties.