Women’s quota a progressive step: Hekani Jakhalu

Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, has backed the proposed 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, calling it crucial for greater participation in governance.
Speaking on the sidelines of a programme, she said Nagaland’s successful implementation of 33% quota in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) showed that extending it to higher legislatures would be a welcome, progressive move. She noted that ULB reservations have yielded positive results, with capable women leaders emerging at the grassroots.
Jakhalu said NPF fully supports the initiative and credited party leadership, including chief minister, for backing women candidates and enabling their electoral success. She expressed confidence that reservation would gain wider acceptance and be implemented. Calling concerns over its feasibility in a patriarchal society “out-dated,” she cited her own victory and that of minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse as proof of changing attitudes, supported by male allies and families.
She said the move would encourage more women into politics, noting that in ULB polls women often exceeded reserved seats. “The glass ceiling has been broken,” she said, adding society’s perception is changing positively.