DIMAPUR: Sisterhood Network (SN) has been honoured with the ‘Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment- Special Jury Award 2026’ for its pioneering work in advancing women’s equality and its sustained efforts towards improving the social and economic well being of women in the community.
The 10th Martha Farrell Award Ceremony was held on September 26, 2026, at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi. The annual award recognises individuals and organisations advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality. This year, the Martha Farrell Foundation received 139 individual and 117 organisational nominations from across India.
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Alongla Aier, Emeritus English professor at Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), SN began during a challenging period to cater to the needs of marginalized women. Today, the organisation works across 12 villages and multiple districts of Nagaland, growing into a grassroots movement supporting women and children through livelihood restoration, skill development, education, gender based violence awareness, leadership training, legal literacy, survivor support, and the creation of gender sensitive workplaces.
Its community led initiatives have enabled economic autonomy for 1,500 women, provided livelihood skills training to 310+ girls, quality education to 600+ children, and established Nteuki (People’s House) community resource centre and 16 Meraki (House of Learning) children’s clubs. SN has also promoted awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) through female friendly facilities, extended emergency assistance during crises such as Covid 19, and collaborated with local authorities on issues including human trafficking. These efforts have led to active women’s participation in village decision making processes.
Receiving the award, Azungla James, Director of SN, said the honour was the result of collective effort and inspires the organisation to serve the community with greater responsibility. “This award is an affirmation that two decades of resilience and commitment to dignity, equity and empathy have not been in vain. It inspires us to move forward with renewed commitment to building safer, more equitable communities for women and children,” she stated.
The award was received by Azungla James, Director of Sisterhood Network, and presented by Gangapriya Chakraverti, India site head and Managing Director at Ford Motor Company.
