International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed annually on March 8 to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of women and advocates for general equality. This year the theme of the celebration was “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
Wangpang bats for women empowerment
KOHIMA: In Kohima, the day was observed at Capital Convention Centre, with advisor of Social Welfare department, Wangpang Konyak as special guest.
A DIRP report informed that, Wangpang in his speech said women empowerment was not just a call for the department but a necessity to build a just inclusive and prosperous society, as empowering women uplifts the community. He called upon all, the need to renew commitment in creating a future, where every human can progress, prospers free from discrimination and with equal opportunities to succeed while celebrating the day.
Wangpang also expressed proud to have two women law makers in the legislative assembly and women candidates winning 103 seats across the state marking in the recently Urban Local Body election.
He also congratulated the first woman in Nagaland to be appointed additional judge of the Guwahati High Court and the recipient of the NSCW Excellence Award 2025, NSCW Award 2025 and SHG Women Achievers. He also mentioned that the Naga women are recognized for their contribution in various capacities not only in the state level but also in the national and international level.
Earlier, keynote address was delivered by Commissioner & Secretary Social welfare, Martha R. Ritse, while welcome address was delivered by secretary Social Welfare, Bodeno S. Colo and vote of thanks by Director, Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi.
On the occasion, SHG Women Achievers were also felicitated.
Lotha Eloe Ekhung Seithikebasa
Lotha Eloe Ekhung (LEE), Seithikebasa Chumoukedima celebrated the day under the theme “Accelerate Action”.
Speaking on the topic, one of the resource person, Lolano Patton DPRO Wokha highlighted on the women Centric schemes including Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Palna National Creche and Shaki Niwas (working women hostel).
She encouraged the eligible women to avail the opportunities provided by the Government through Social welfare department. On the occasion, Lolano also read out the message of Chief Secretary Nagaland, Dr.J.Alam. Resource person, Dr. Zubenthung L Kithan spoke on the topic, “Role of Immunization in promoting Women’s Health” while the other resource person Dr. Benchilo Odyuo spoke on the topic, Accelerate Action (Advance women’s and girls rights)
Retired Jt.Director Agriculture, the chairman, Lotha Ekhung Seithikebasa Santsu Kithan also exhorted the women gathering. On the occasion, LEE, Seithikebasa acknowledged the oldest Lotha woman of Seithikebasa, and all the past office bearers of LEE Seithikebasa.
Women’s Day in Tuensang
Tuensang district celebrated International Women’s Day at CKS Hall, Tuensang organised by Mission Shakti Tuensang in collaboration with Changsao Thangjam Setshang with DC and chairperson Mission Shakti Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa as special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC urged the gathering to not differentiate between men and women in the field of education, highlighting that many women in the district are successful entrepreneurs, business women and cultivators in the society. She also exhorted the women to make use of the Mission Shakti in the district for the betterment of women in the districts.
NDWM, ACID acknowledge women’s contribution
DIMAPUR: National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM) – Nagaland Region in Collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) observed International Women’s Day at Assisi Auditorium near, Lake View Colony.
In her speech, chief guest, advocate, Priya Shyam spoke about the importance of rights, equality, and empowerment. She highlighted the significance of the day, recognizing women’s achievements in various spheres, and stressed the need for awareness of gender equality and women’s rights.
She said gender equality means ensuring equal opportunities, treatment, and rights for both women and men, and said women still need men’s support to move forward.
On violence against women, she urged everyone to raise their voices against it.
Guest of honour, Branch Manager, Nagaland Rural Bank, Dimapur, Nagaland, Dikho Kaini Luciana, spoke on the topic, “Role of Women: Family and Decision Making”.
She underscored that every woman is special, regardless of where she works whether at home, in hospitals, shops, streets, offices, schools, markets, or companies.
She highlighted the essential roles women play in the family, noting that they act as caregivers, nurturers also serve as managers at home handling household tasks, finances, and daily routines.
She urged everyone to continue supporting and empowering each other to become the best version of themselves. Other highlights of the programme included the lighting of the lamp, a welcome dance by Maya, Kachari dance by the CRM group, a dance performance by Sujana and her group, Marathi dance by Susmita & group, Bengali dance by Rupa & team, a dance by the Angle Home children, and a song by Lochumlo & group.
Earlier, the program began with a prayer song performed by David and Team (CRM), followed by a welcome address by director of ACID, Sr. Pramila Lobo, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Rita Sen.
Nagaland safest state for women: Dr. Chumben
WOKHA: Wokha district celebrated International Women’s Day at Tiyi Hall with Dr. Chumben Murry, advisor to chief minister, as special guest. In his speech, Dr. Chumben emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s achievements while addressing ongoing societal disparities. He highlighted key areas of focus, including healthcare, education, economic empowerment, safety, and violence against women.
Drawing from his experience as a genealogist, Dr. Murry noted that hospital visits and institutional deliveries among women were significantly lower in the past but have now improved. He acknowledged this progress while stressing the need for continued awareness on women’s health. He also emphasised on the importance of discussions on family planning as a crucial aspect of women’s well-being.
On safety and security, he said Nagaland is recognized as the safest state for women in India. However, he stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and ensuring that any incidents of violence against women are reported and addressed effectively.
Dr. Murry concluded by emphasizing that while various laws and government schemes exist to uplift women, they should not rely solely on these provisions. Instead, he urged women to be assertive, empowered, and determined to achieve greater heights.
In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, acknowledged the significant achievements made in women’s empowerment, particularly in the last decade.
He also noted the progress made in Nagaland, with women’s participation in the workforce rising from 16% in 2011 to 27% in 2023, a rate of growth that surpasses the national average. However, Kumar pointed out that while these developments are encouraging, much work to be done to reach the target of 45-50% workforce participation.
Judicial magistrate first class and secretary of Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA), Cheliam Khiamnguinan, emphasized the need for stronger protection of women from abuse, including domestic violence and sexual harassment. She highlighted the importance of government initiatives such as the Victim Compensation Scheme and other protective measures aimed at improving the status of women.
President of Lotha Eloe Hoho, Thungbeni Ngullie, also addressed the gathering.
The programme was chaired by, Centre Administrator, SAKHI-OSC, Renthunglo Kikon welcome address by District Programme Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Wokha C. James B. Ezung, Caseworker at the Child Helpline, DCPU, Ongarhoni, provided an awareness session on Child Helpline 1098.
The event also featured a special performance, “Everything That Glitters,” by Merithung Lotha, Gender Specialist at DHEW, and a short play by students from Santsuo School, Wokha. To mark the day, best-performing Anganwadi and ASHA workers were felicitated.