“Giving Voice, Gaining Justice: Breaking Barriers for All Women and Girls.”
For nearly three decades, North East Network (NEN) has been part of the historic and ongoing International Women’s Day (IWD) campaign. NEN first observed IWD in 1998 in Assam and Meghalaya, and in 2002 in Nagaland.
NEN has been consistently working to amplify the voices of women from the northeastern region of India. From advocating for women’s participation in electoral politics to strengthening grassroots leadership among weavers, home-based workers, farmers, and survivors of violence, NEN has remained at the forefront of feminist action.
This year, IWD was observed under the theme “Giving Voice, Gaining Justice: Breaking Barriers for All Women and Girls.” The theme calls for dismantling the structural barriers that continue to impede equality, including discriminatory laws, inadequate legal protections, harmful social norms, and systemic practices that undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
ASSAM
📍Golaghat | Udalguri | Kamrup | Dhemaji | Darrang | Sonitpur | Guwahati
In Assam, International Women’s Day 2026 was observed across six districts — Kamrup Rural, Udalguri, Dhemaji, Darrang, Golaghat and Sonitpur — with the participation of 368 women and youth. The programmes featured feminist songs and skits, using creative expression to raise awareness on women’s rights, gender justice, and the everyday challenges faced by women. Participatory games were also organised to encourage women’s participation, celebration, and collective joy.
From the Land of Chitralekha
In Kamrup Metropolitan, Gauhati Artists’ Guild in association with North East Network, organised an art exhibition titled “From the Land of Chitralekha”, featuring artworks by women artists from across Assam. The exhibition celebrated the creativity and diverse perspectives of women artists, offering a platform to express themes of identity, resilience, and lived experiences through visual art. The exhibition was inaugurated by Santwana Bordoloi, eminent film and theatre director and actor.
Meghalaya
📍Shillong
In Meghalaya, North East Network in collaboration with Stryde Run Club organised the International Women’s Day Run for Justice 2026 in Shillong. The event brought together 116 women, men, and youth participants from the districts of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and Eastern West Khasi Hills, representing a solidarity run that united communities in a collective call to dismantle structural barriers that hinder women’s safety and freedom in both private and public spaces. The 5-km run began and ended at the State Central Library and was flagged off by Ivyreen Warjri, Assistant Director of the Good Governance Cell at the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute. The event was graced by Iamon Syiem, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, as the Chief Guest.
Following the completion of the race, special remarks were delivered by Iaimanda A. Ryngksai, State Coordinator of North East Network Meghalaya, as well as Katrina T. Thangkhiew and Swaraj Shrestha, founders of Stryde Run Club, along with the Chief Guest, reflecting on the significance of collective action in advancing women’s rights and justice.
Nagaland
📍 Chizami | Kohima | Shamator | Chumu
In Nagaland, North East Network marked International Women’s Day through a series of community engagements held in collaboration with local partners, with a total of 234 participants across the events. In Chizami, an open dialogue on women’s rights followed by a film screening was organised in collaboration with NENterprise, creating space for participants to reflect on gender justice and share perspectives. In Shamator, a group discussion on women’s struggles and rights was held in collaboration with Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Shamator, encouraging participants to share experiences and collectively reflect on the challenges faced by women. In Kohima, the programme included highlights on the history and significance of International Women’s Day in collaboration with SEWA Kohima, connecting global women’s movements with local contexts.
In Chumu, activities conducted with SEWA Chumu included discussions on women’s rights, a historical overview of the day, awareness on domestic violence, and interactive games and support activities. The programmes also featured contributions from resource persons including Seno Tsuhah, Chairperson and Trustee of NENterprise as well as GB Member and Advisor of North East Network; Neiteo Koza, Advocate at the Guwahati Court and GB Member of North East Network; Alemla Longchar, M.Th and consultant; and Renchano Odyuo, District Programme Officer, Social Welfare, who shared insights on women’s rights, social welfare support, and the importance of collective action in advancing gender justice.
