Various institutions organised programmes and initiatives on March 6 to mark the forthcoming International Women’s Day which is celebrated on March 8 every year under the theme, “I am Generation Equality: Securing Women’s Right #eachforequal”.
NU Kohima: Nagaland University, Kohima campus observed International Women’s Day 2020 at ladies common room, Kohima campus NU on March 6.
According to DIPR report, Pro VC Nagaland University, professor M Aleminla Ao said that International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to provide opportunity to reinforce that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender balanced world. She remarked that the day not only recognises the achievements of women who have excelled in their own fields but it marks a call of action for speeding gender equality.
Stating that the path of women’s equality has been long and challenging yet, Ao said that despite some progress, real change has been slow in the world as not a single country can claim to have achieved gender equality.
Department of Education, professor Lungsang Zeliang speaking at the event said that women’s rights and gender equality are taking centre stage this year and rightly so because it is a prerequisite for society to thrive. She however said that change in this direction has been unsatisfactory and terribly slow in-spite of the collective efforts world over.
Lungsang also said that gender equality is not only about women’s rights but is also about human rights, adding that it is time to challenge stereo types and take action for equality. “As women in higher education in whatever capacity as an administrators, teaching or non teaching or as students or researchers, we are the lucky ones who have a voice, who work in equal spaces and making a difference”, she remarked. Also stressing on the urgent need to accelerate gender equality, Zeliang challenged all to be instruments in removing the systemic barriers that hold back women from full participation in private or public domains and join hands in creating an equal and enabled world.
President NUSU, Rhilo Mero speaking on the theme said would not it be great to be in a world where we are no longer governed by the gender stereotyped laws or principles by the society, or would it not be even better if we could all pursue the same ambitions and dreams without any borders.
MITE: MITE observed international women’s day on March 6 organised by literary club.
A press release from MITE stated that on behalf of faculty, principal Dr. Devanand Sinha, MITE delivered a speech where he maintained that women were not only equal but were greater than men in many aspects for instance, a working woman can multitask in between doing household works, raring children and professionally working.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by V Shinatoli Shohe, Shoba pronounced invocation, welcome address was delivered by Tsikithung Kikon and vote of thanks by Ngunnon, vice president, literary club. An ode to women was also presented by Nchumbemo Patton and special presentation was done by Naong Mathila and Sentinaro.
J.N. Aier college: Red Ribbon Club (RRC) in collaboration with IQAC of J.N. Aier College observed International Women’s Day at the college premises on March 6.
A press release from J.N Aier College stated that assistant professor, education department, Keleseno educated the students on the basic equal rights women must practice in the society without any obligations.
Nodal officer, RRC, Khenili Kiho spoke on the status of women and the violence against women in Nagaland wherein she highlighted on how women were not given a chance in a decision making body and also talked about the violence against women.
Meanwhile, male students and staff members undertook a pledge vowing to respect and treat women in their equal status and to say “no” to violence against women.
Cornerstone College: Sanitary napkin vending machine was installed at Cornerstone College to mark International Women’s Day, 2020. The college along with management and chairman, Dr. Sashimeren Aier as per directive of UGC ministry of human resource development, government of India observed international women’s day in collaboration with community health initiative (CIH) on March 6.
A press release from the college media cell stated that during the seminar, director (CIH), Loreni Sophia, who was the main speaker for the seminar-cum-workshop covered subject matters from female hygiene, reproductive health and proper disposal of the sanitary pads.
During the programme, “biodegradable sanitary anion napkin pads” was launched at a low cost for a student friendly price. Sanitary pads vending machine was also installed in the campus which will be available for female students to use at the cost of 5 rupees. Altogether, around 500 students participated at the programme.
Tuli College: Department of political science, Tuli College organised a programme to commemorate International Women’s Day.
A press release from Tuli College stated that the programme was chaired by Deepak Das of BA 2nd semester. Awareness drama based on the theme was enacted by male students as homage to the women of the institution.
Speaking at the programme, Principal A.K. Ahmed appraised about the significance of women in the society and encouraged all the women to strive forward and to never lose their voice. The programme was concluded by assistant professor, department of political science, Longjakrep, who delivered the vote of thanks.
Modern College Kohima: One-day National seminar-cum-celebration of International Women’s Day was organized at Modern College, Kohima (MCK) on March 6.
A press release from MCK principal, Dr. HP Singh stated that chairing the event MCK vice principal and convenor, research committee, Dr. Vitsou Yano highlighted on the theme “Generation Equality: we are Equal” and the role to be played by every age, ethnicity, race, religion and country to come together and drive actions that we will create the gender equal world we all deserve.
The event also witnessed the launch of Gender Champion Club with assistant professor, Nukchala as nodal officer and 35 students as members.
During the seminar, there were four presenters namely asst. prof. Naorem Birahari College, Manipur University, Dr. Ningthoujam Somola Devi, assistant professor St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama, Dr. Khobu Tsolo, assistant professor Mt. Pisgah College, Senapati, Manipur University, Dr. Chinpai Lily and assistant professor MCK Nagaland University, Dr. Daili Kholia. They presented various topics relating to the theme on breaking gender stereotypes, celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action against inequality
Immanuel College Dimapur: Women Cell of Immanuel College organised a programme in commemoration of International Women’s Day with HoD Economics department, Sungjemmongla as the convenor on March 6.
A press release from Immanuel College stated that the resource persons were principal Immanuel College, Th.Sharatchandra Singh and counsellor Immanuel College, Dr. Meyela. The principal exhorted the gathering by reminding everyone to realize the important role women play at home as well as society. He also asserted on the achievements of women in India in particular and the world in general.
Meanwhile, Dr. Meyela speaking on the theme of the celebration challenged the womenfolk of the college to be more aspiring and to play more challenging role. She also stressed that ‘we are already living in generation equality’ and that there is no fear to explore the unexplored.
The programme was attended by all the students and staff of the college. The programme was chaired by women co-ordinator, Immanuel College, Meheli Magh, invocation was pronounced by assistant professor Education department, Temjen Longkumer and a special number was presented by Toshimenla of BA 2nd semester.
ICFAI University: In respect of International Women’s Day observed on March 8 every year, the ICFAI University Nagaland celebrated Women’s Day on March 6.
A press release from ICFAI University stated that the programme was initiated by the MA English 4th semester class and was chaired by Viboto Kiho, who also highlighted the purpose of the event. A drama was enacted by the students based on the theme, after which there was a poetry performance by Hoilem Konyak and Petevinuo Lcho on Maya Angelo’s “Still I Rise”.
Messages written for inspiring women was then read out and a panel discussion followed thereafter. Emphasizing on the notion of “each for equal”, one of the participants in the discussion pointed out how gender roles are pre-conceived social constructs and equality should be beyond such social restraints. With the message that each individual deserves to be treated equal irrespective of their gender, the programme was concluded with vote of thanks by Botoka Chophi.