Along with the rest of the world Nagaland celebrated International Women’s day on March 8 by organizing different programmes in honour of women.
Chuchuyimlang: International Women’s was celebrated in Chuchuyimlang on March 8 at the Anu Mai Amphitheatre, Chuchuyimlang with the theme “Emancipated Women”. The programme was organized by Chuchuyimlang Watsu Telongjem in collaboration with the Women Department of Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church. The speakers of the occasion were T. Lima Pastor and Ao Sanen Pongen, chairman of the council who dwelt on different subjects under 2016 theme “Planet 50-50 in 2030: Step up for gender equality”. The celebration included keynote address by Watsu Telongjem, Chuchuyimlang president Lipokla, special song dedicated to global women was presented by Mar Jamir, special prayer was offered by Jungshi, Youth Director for all the women. Special presentation on the campaign and struggles of women towards emancipation and women’s contribution in history across the nations was given by Narola, Sungitlemla, Aotongdang and Imtimongba, vote of thanks was delivered by Narola, Associate Pastor (W). Invocation and benediction were pronounced by Tongdang Deacon and S. Mar VDB secretary respectively and the comperes of the occasion were Nungsangrenla and Tsuktimeren. Young girls and old women alike were present for the celebration and a women caucus was formed for future programmes. (Correspondent
Wokha: Lotha Eloe Hoho (LEH) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 at LTC Hall Wokha, with Lichilo L. Odyuo as the speaker. A press release by LEH president, Mhonchumi Humtsoe stated that Lichilo spoke on the topic, “role of women at home and in the society” while Julie Murry spoke on the theme, “pledge for parity”. The introductory speech was delivered by advisor Zuchobeni Ezung. It stated that the first women president of LEH and the oldest woman in town were also felicitated to mark the occasion. Yomeru Self Help Group Phiro, Wokha town enthralled the gathering with a melodious folk song. The programme was chaired by LEH joint secretary Loseno Y. Ovung, started with invocation prayer by Nchumbeni Kithan and vote of thanks was delivered by general secretary, Mhabeni Shitiri.
CWWS: Chakhesang Women Welfare Society Pfutsero celebrated International Women’s Day at Chakhesang Mission Centre Church, Pfutsero town. The program gave a special attention to young mothers of different churches, higher secondary and high school going girls from all the educational institutions. With the theme “planet 50-50 by 2030: step it up for gender equality”, the registrar of the Cooperative Societies, government of Nagaland, Velasa Nakro, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, said that there was nothing that women could not do, which man could. He further went on to say that the contribution of women towards economic progress cannot be ignored. Additional secretary, Vechisalu Nukhu in her guest of honor speech deliberated on the agenda of the 2030 goals. She asserted that women should be ready to contest in the state general elections. However, she went on to say that discussion on gender equality cannot take place without the contribution and participation of men. Additional sessions on topics such as “Quality Education towards Socio-political participation for Gender Equality” and “Building Skills for Economic Progress” were conducted in which, Vechisalu Nukhu and MD, The People Channel, Rozelle Mero were the resource persons respectively.
MCD: International Women’s Day was observed by Minority Community of Dimapur (MCD) and encouraged women for their participation and contribution in the society. Principal St. Mary Montessori Hr.Sec.School, Dimapur, Neena Dutta was honoured by MCD led by Bishnu Bhattacherjee with other community leaders.
JCWA: International Women’s Day cum meeting for church jubilee was organized by Jakhama Catholic Women Association (JWCA) with around 200 women present at its church on March 8. Guest of honour, Fr. C. Joseph in his message asked the women to pledge towards a concrete step to help achieve gender parity quickly. He said this could be achieved through helping women and girls achieve their ambitions, gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures and by rooting out workplace bias. Speaking on the theme of the day, he said that each of “us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence” and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity. Holy Eucharist was also celebrated with a special prayer for the newly elected team namely Tepushiile Agnes, Tepulenu Teresa, Rokosiinu Regina, Medovole Mary, Elphrele Bridgit, Nodevile Noeline, and Zehovonu Bernadette. The association and the office bearers took all the initiatives to make the day a very successful one.