International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8 to honor the achievement of women in various field and call for promoting gender equality.
In line with this, various events are held worldwide, including discussions, educational programs, and social initiatives that aim to highlight women’s rights, empowerment, and inclusivity.
NEN focuses on women’s health and wellbeing
NEN: Nenterprise, in collaboration with North East Network (NEN), Nagaland, commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD) at Government High School, Middle Khomi, Phek district, under the theme “Health and Wellbeing”.
The event brought together about 120 weavers from six villages and 66 students from Government High School, Middle Khomi. The programme was chaired by Kezunyipeu Tsuhah of Nenterprise, and commenced with an invocation by Soshezolu Lala, a local weaver, followed by a traditional folk song performance by the Middle Khomi Weavers.
Neitshopeu Thopi, general manager, Nenterprise highlighted the significance of the event.
The IWD event was marked by awareness sessions on Food and Nutrition, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Women’s Reproductive Health and Childcare, Personal Safety Education for Students, and Health and Wellness.
Tuku Venuh led the first session, focusing on the importance of women’s health and nutrition. Zuhuvelu, Community Health Officer (CHO), addressed non-communicable diseases, focusing on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer (particularly breast and throat cancer), and mental health disorders.
Tshekhroweu and Tshenyilou from NEN conducted a session on body mapping and safe and unsafe touches while Metsheu Khalo Letro, Probation Officer VCH, addressed the significance of IWD, emphasizing women’s equality.
The IWD event was also marked by facilitating women’s access to health services, by providing services. 38 weavers availed blood group testing, 74 availed blood pressure checks, and 8 weavers were issued health cards.
PHED Wokha highlights role of women
DWSM PHED Wokha: District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM), Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Wokha, observed the day at Community Hall, Riphyim New under the theme “Accelerate Action: Celebrating SHEROES in Water & Sanitation Leadership.”,
The event highlighted the pivotal role of women leaders in driving sustainable water management, sanitation, and community development. Keynote address was delivered by Chuba Longchar, District Coordinator, DWSM, PHED Wokha, emphasizing the empowerment of women SHEROES (female heroes) and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) to build resilient communities.
Premy E Ezung, Community Health Officer (CHO) of Changsu Old, highlighted the urgent need for action in menstrual waste management and hygiene advocacy. A technical session was led by Er. Aremo Ovung, District Chemist, DWSM, PHED Wokha, who imparted a hands on training on water quality surveillance using Field Testing Kit (FTK).
JN Aier College, Chumoukedima
JN Aier College: Joining the rest of the world, J.N. Aier College, Chumoükedima celebrated the Day under the theme “Accelerate Action.”
Focussing on the theme Department of English, assistant professor, Viloli H. Kiba, emphasized the need for proactive efforts toward gender equality. The event concluded with a benediction by the college principal.
Call for women empowerment
Atoizu: District Administration in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Zunheboto, observed International Women’s Day at DBs Hall, Atoizu. In her address, president of STL, Atoizu Unit, Suzin Awomi highlighted the important role of women in society, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts toward gender equality.
The keynote address was delivered by Vinus Awomi, Councilor of Atoizu Town Council, who encouraged the community to support women empowerment. The event concluded with a benediction by Inatoli Chophy, Women Leader of NCRC, Atoizu Town.
WENN, NABARD honour women
WENN: Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN), in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur. The event, chaired by Abokali Jimomi, featured a series of engaging activities, live demonstrations, and a reading by Anungla Zoe Longkumer from a prose poem titled “Desiderata by Max Ehrmann”.
Delivering keynote address, general manager, NABARD, Pauliankap Bulte assured that the organisation will continue to support initiatives of women. The highlight of the day was panel discussion on “Women in Nagaland – An Introspection of Rights & Gender Equality” moderated by Ovi K. Yeptho while panelists Neiteo Koza, Paul Lokho and Temsusenla Kichu shared their insights and experiences, fostering a meaningful dialogue on women’s rights and gender equality.
The celebration not only highlighted the incredible achievements of women in the community but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
Women’s Day at NU, Meriema
Nagaland University: Women’s Studies Centre (WSC), Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema celebrated International Women’s Day at the Ladies Common Room, Nagaland University, Meriema on March 7, 2025.
In line with the UN theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” and on the 2025 campaign theme “Accelerate Action”, the event called for greater awareness to gender inclusion and gender parity.
Department of Education, Nagaland University, Professor, Buno Zetsuvi in her message said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to acknowledge the compounded challenges faced by women all over the world and join voices with people around the world and to let people know that women’s rights are human rights.
Buno said the traditional Naga society followed the patriarchal system and was dominated with male population, having more privileges, culturally, socially, economically, and politically.
However, Buno said all those practices have been changed and modern Naga woman has more privileges more freedom and liberty. Buno went on to say that Naga women are more educated, knowledgeable, and even heads government offices, institutions, leaders in many organizations, and politically active and were contributing to all spheres of development.
She however said that there are still a number of challenges and issues relating to social, cultural, economic, and political empowerment that needed to be addressed.
Resource person, State Mission Coordinator, State Hub for Empowerment of Women-Mission Shakti, Gracy Ayee said International Women’s Day was not just to celebrate the achievement, but the right platform to reflect about the different discriminations, the biases, the stereotypes women faces because of the gender.
Stressing on the objective of United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal, Ayee appealed to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls and to ensure women’s full potential, where they should be given equal opportunities for leadership at all level of decision-making, political, economic and social and public life.
Ayee emphasised strongly on enhancing the use of technology to promote empowerment of women. She also encouraged men to be part of women’s progress and extend all possible help to distress women.
Also highlighting about digitalization, Ayee said with digital empowerment, more women are being affected and many of them were victims of cybercrime and bullying. She added that with new challenges women’s issues only seem to be increasing.
Exhorting the gathering, Associate Professor, Department of Tenyidie, Dr. Petekhrienuo Sorhie remarked that this year’s theme calls for accelerated action towards unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities for women and girls where no one is left behind.
She said Naga women today are evolving, redefining their presence in various ways, overcoming all traditional constraints and seizing opportunities and possibilities. She also highlighted the vision of the sustainable development goals and emphasised the importance of equity in present contexts.
Director incharge of Women Study Center, Dr. Khotole Khieya called for a collective action for gender equality and to address the barriers that women faces. Other highlights of the event included a special number by W.Pongle and friends and the event was attended by faculty staffs, students and PHD scholars.
BBBP, DHEW Niuland celebrate Women’s Day
Niuland: Niuland International Women’s Day was celebrated in Niuland, organized by the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Niuland District Administration, and DHEW Niuland at the DC Conference Hall, Niuland under the theme “Accelerate Change”.
EAC, Kelengunuo Solo delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability. She also explained the initiatives of Mission Shakti and BBBP, seeking cooperation from society to drive positive change.
The event was chaired by Ilolika, Data Entry operator and commenced with an invocation by Merryka, Accounts Assistant, followed by a welcome address by Tunato Zhimo, Gender Specialist.
The program focused on two key themes: plantation and mental health. The event culminated with a plantation drive promoting environmental sustainability and community participation.