North East Network (NEN) in collaboration with SEWA Shakti Kendra (SSK), Pfutsero organised “International Day of Rural Women” at the Women Resource Centre (WRC), in Runguzu Nasa on October 13. The day-long event aimed to celebrate rural women, visibilise their contribution, struggles and aspirations; and create awareness about rights and entitlements.
Extra Assistant Commissioner(EAC), Chozuba, Sangpachang Longkumer addressed the gathering during the event. EAC Longkumer maintained that the day is an ardent call to appreciate and acknowledge the immense contribution of women especially in the rural areas. He lauded the efforts of civil society organisations, NGOs like NEN, and Government departments such as the Women Resource Development, which is solely dedicated to women’s development.
NEN state coordinator, Wekoweu Tsuhah, cited that 95% of house-care and domestic work is carried out by women and 75% of agricultural work is done by rural women. Women in rural areas also carry out various other work that remain unrecognised. Thus, the state coordinator called upon the gathering to acknowledge the contributions of women in society by ways of sharing care work and domestic work and not relegate it to a specific gender. She called upon the Village Councils to allow women to be a part of their decision-making mechanisms. She maintained that resources such as training, information and skills should be made accessible to women. She also stressed the need to create an enabling environment for women to avail such opportunities.
Assistant Director, Women Resource Development, T. Thungbemo Patton called upon all the state development partners to provide opportunities for women in every possible way.
The event also saw technical sessions facilitated by representatives from District Industries Centre, Chozuba by Kezhaletuo, Dr. Hannah, SMS, Agronomy from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Phek, Neiweu Dozo from Sewa Shakti Kendra, Pfutsero, Leginino Yhoshü from Agriculture Technology Management Agency, Phek, and Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, Chozuba, Dr. Kotso Kapfo.
Dr. Hannah highlighted the significance of foxtail millets for food, nutrition, livelihoods and climate resilience, and encouraged the farmers to adopt millet crops. Leginino focused on the impact of women in agriculture and encouraged farmers to adopt agricultural practices that enhance productivity. An official from DIC highlighted the numerous schemes and facilities for artisans and weavers. Dr. Kotso Kapfo shared aspects of health and the need to take care of one’s body. He underlined health issues such as Hypertension, Diabetic, Scrub Thyphus, Dengue, Cancer and HIV commonly prevalent in the Chozuba area.
NEN associate project lead, Nukholo Swuro, chaired the programme, while programme associate, Dieze Khamo, delivered the vote of thanks. The event also saw sales and exhibition cum demonstration from SEWA Dukaan (Kohima), Bamboo Youth (Thürütsüswü), Pottery (Runguzu), Nenterprise -Chizami Weaves, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Phek), and Yoruba Cotton group. This exhibition showcased the diverse and remarkable skills of women hailing from the rural areas of Nagaland.
