Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOV 12 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has called for greater representation of women in leadership, governance and professional sectors, asserting that their contribution was vital not only to families but also to the social, economic and institutional development of society.
Addressing the first general conference of the Tenyimi Women Union Nagaland (TWUN) as special guest at the Multipurpose Building, Kohima Village, on Wednesday, Rio said women had important, valuable and God-given responsibilities in families, churches and society. He stressed that their roles should extend beyond household responsibilities to all professions and sectors.
Referring to the Bible, Rio said women were called upon to serve God and society through their gifts, faith and wisdom. He observed that women were increasingly moving beyond traditional roles and taking up leadership positions in government, administration, education and other professional fields.
Their growing achievements in education and competitive examinations, he said, reflected their dedication and commitment.
Rio said women’s participation in government had increased significantly over the years and called for their greater involvement in governance, organisations and professional associations to maintain balance in society. He added that education and hard work had enabled Naga women to contribute actively to the economy, business and trade. Describing women as custodians and guardians of Naga culture and traditions, Rio said they were the foundation of families and the first institution responsible for shaping future generations.
“When you educate a boy, you educate one person. But when you educate a girl, you educate the whole family,” he said, emphasising the importance of women’s education and empowerment.
He also highlighted the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the state’s economy through handicrafts, traditional textiles, food processing, hospitality, tourism and agricultural activities. Such initiatives, including those undertaken through village-based groups, were strengthening household and community economies.
Rio expressed hope that women would continue to fulfil their responsibilities in families and society, maintaining that unity and progress could be sustained when women, mothers and women leaders remained strong and committed.
He further stressed the importance of preserving Naga identity, culture and traditions, saying the Nagas were recognised for their distinct character and uniqueness rather than their ability to imitate others.
Advisor for Science and Technology Kuzholuzo Neinu, guest of honour, said the conference theme, “Honouring Our Roots, One Voice, United for a Stronger Tomorrow,” called for reflection on the community’s shared identity, values and collective aspirations.
He said honouring one’s roots went beyond remembering history and required understanding its significance, preserving inherited values and deciding what should be passed on to future generations.
The Tenyimi community, he said, had a rich heritage shaped by shared ancestry, cultural connections, traditional knowledge and collective experiences.
Neinu observed that this heritage was reflected not only in traditional attire, folk songs, festivals and customary practices but also in the values upheld by ancestors, including responsibility, mutual respect, a close relationship with the land and commitment to collective well-being.
“These were not merely cultural expressions. They were the foundations upon which communities were built,” he said.
On the challenges of modernisation, Neinu said young people were pursuing education, exploring opportunities beyond their ancestral villages and engaging with an increasingly complex world.
The challenge, he maintained, was not to preserve the past exactly as it was but to carry its essential values into a changing society.
He added that this responsibility should be shared by every generation and not rest with elders alone. He also clarified that unity did not mean uniformity or surrendering individual identities, but recognising that differences could coexist with a broader sense of belonging.
Emphasising women’s participation, Neinu said their role should not be limited to attending gatherings or supporting initiatives.
He called for greater opportunities for women to contribute ideas, influence decisions and assume leadership positions, adding that their inclusion would provide wider perspectives and strengthen the community.
He urged younger generations to view their heritage as a source of strength rather than a limitation, and said the future should involve finding a thoughtful balance between tradition and modernity.
The new office bearers of TWUN for the tenure 2026-2029 were declared by Kevinguno Meyase, convenor declaration committee with Ruokuoheü Miachieo as the new president.
The conference was hosted by the Angami Women Organisation (AWO). The programme was chaired by TWUN general secretary Atono Nyuthe, while Rev. Dr. Poyo Tunyi pronounced the invocation. AWO president Neithono R. Sothu delivered the welcome address and TWUN president Zhonelu Tunyi presented the presidential address.
The general secretary’s report was presented by Atono Nyuthe, followed by speeches from TUN president K.T. Vilie, the outgoing TWUN president and the newly elected TWUN president. Folk songs were presented by the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association and Rengma Mothers’ Association.
TWUN joint secretary Aluile Sephe proposed the vote of thanks, while the benediction was pronounced by St. Joseph College, Jakhama principal Dr. Fr. George Keduolhou.