North East Network (NEN) in collaboration with SEWA Shakti Kendra (SSK), Pfutsero organised “International Day of Rural Women” at the Women Resource Centre (WRC), in Runguzu Nasa on October 13.
A press release by NEN programme associate, Ketho Sakhrie informed that Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), Chozuba, Sangpachang Longkumer addressed the gathering during the event. EAC Longkumer maintained that the day is an ardent call to appreciate and acknowledge the immense contribution of women especially in the rural areas. He lauded the efforts of civil society organisations, NGOs like NEN, and Government departments such as the Women Resource Development that is solely dedicated for women’s development. He called upon the civil societies, village bodies, NGO’s and churches to come together and collectively work for the upliftment of women.
NEN state coordinator, Wekoweu Tsuhah, in her welcome address clarified that the day should have been celebrated on October 15, but noting that the date falls on a Sunday, the organization has agreed to have a pre-event.
Tsuhah cited that 95% of house-care and domestic works are carried out by women and 75% of agricultural works are done by rural women and various other roles which are not well recognized are all carried out by rural women.
The state coordinator called upon the gathering to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of women in the society by ways of sharing care work and domestic work and not relegate it to a specific gender. She called upon the Village Councils to allow women to be a part of their decision-making mechanisms. She maintained that resources such as training, information and skills should be made accessible to women. She stressed on the need to create an enabling environment for women to avail such opportunities. She shared that the United Nations has certain Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and that when everyone comes together, the goals can be achieved faster.
Assistant director, Women Resource Development, T. Thungbemo Patton shared that the department of Women Resource bifurcated from the Social Welfare Department in 2003 as the Rio led government wanted to address women issues and that in 2006, the department became a full-fledged department. He also called upon all the state development partners to provide opportunities in every way.
The event also saw technical sessions facilitated by representatives from District Industries Centre, Chozuba by Kezhaletuo, Dr. Hannah, SMS, Agronomy from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Phek, Neiweu Dozo from Sewa Shakti Kendra, Pfutsero, Leginino Yhoshü from Agriculture Technology Management Agency, Phek, and Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, Chozuba, Dr. Kotso Kapfo.
Dr. Hannah highlighted the significance of foxtail millets for food, nutrition, livelihoods and climate resilience, and encouraged the farmers to adopt millet crops. Leginino focused on the impact of women in agriculture, and encouraged the farmers to adopt agricultural bpractises that enhances productivity. Official from DIC highlighted the numerous schemes and facilities for artisans and weavers.
Dr. Kotso Kapfo shared aspects of health and the need to take care of one’s body. He underlined health issues such as Hypertension, Diabetic, Scrub Thyphus, Dengue, Cancer and HIV commonly prevalent in the Chozuba area.
NEN associate project lead, Nukholo Swuro, chaired the programme, while programme associate, Dieze Khamo, delivered the vote of thanks. The event also saw sales and exhibition cum demonstration from SEWA Dukaan (Kohima), Bamboo Youth (Thürütsüswü), Pottery (Runguzu), Nenterprise -Chizami Weaves, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Phek), and Yoruba Cotton group.