A couple of women leaders, on a mission to Beijing,
Voices raised, emotions high, decisions made.
Back come they, determined, Beijing tones must ring;
Born then, North East Network! a woman’s mate!
Accelerated in Meghalaya, traversing rough terrain;
Ten thousand narrow steps down, said they,
Run –down PHCs, hungry mouths and many pains.
To the rescue women collectives and NEN – Hey!
Reach we Assam valley, but picture no better there,
Women, girls, caught in conflict, any care?
Floods, a seasonal event, people no choice but to fare;
A handful of NEN women, an achievement rare!
Eastwards to Nagaland, heart rending stories unfold,
Communities threatened, army, underground;
A mighty task, no matter, women the fort must hold,
A gem of a place, prayers answered, Chizami we found !
Accelerated in Meghalaya, traversing rough terrain;
Ten thousand narrow steps down, said they,
Run –down PHCs, hungry mouths and many pains.
To the rescue women collectives and NEN – Hey!
Reach we Assam valley, but picture no better there,
Women, girls, caught in conflict, any care?
Floods, a seasonal event, people no choice but to fare;
A handful of NEN women, an achievement rare!
Eastwards to Nagaland, heart rending stories unfold,
Communities threatened, army, underground;
A mighty task, no matter, women the fort must hold,
A gem of a place, prayers answered, Chizami we found!
– a poem by Darilyn Syiem
Former Regional Coordinator, NEN
First written in 2005 on NEN’s 10th Anniversary
Edited in 2025 on NEN’s 30th Anniversary
