North East Network Nagaland celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March with 370+ women in Phek and Kohima districts under the theme “Inspire Inclusion”.
At Chizami, NEN in collaboration with Nenterpise, brought together rural women (artisans & farmers), village leaders, and women societies/associations to celebrate women’s contributions, achievements, and leadership within their households and communities, discuss issues on gender equality, women’s health, wellbeing, and avail medical services. In her keynote address Wekoweu Tsuha, State Coordinator, NEN highlighted the history and significance of IWD, which began around the 1900’s with women workers organising and demanding better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights amongst others. She lamented that despite women’s progress made in many fields, and their significant contributions to social, economic, cultural and political spheres, women remain unrecognised, undervalued, and underrepresented, far from securing full and equal rights. In particular, she acknowledged the contributions of women in Nagaland, especially rural women primarily engaged in agriculture and allied work, including textile weaving, who have not only sustained the traditional skills and knowledge of textile weaving but significantly contributed to their family’s income and the local economy. Women for generations and at present have been taught to put the needs of others first. There is a need to let go of such societal expectations and promote women’s well-being, thereby fostering a prosperous economy and sustaining the planet Earth, highlighted Wekoweu in her speech.
Dr. Pangertemsu, Gynecologist at the Phek District Hospital spoke on ‘Women’s Health and Wellbeing’. He explained the three stages of a woman’s life, diverse health problems and needs for different stages. Some of the key aspects he shared on women’s health included reproductive health, common diseases, breast cancer and cervical cancer. He also shared on the availability of the HPV vaccine to protect girls and young women from Cervical Cancer. While speaking on the topic, the resource person also stressed the need for men to understand and learn about important health issues affecting women and be able to lend care and support. In the session “Oral Health and Harmful Effect of Tobacco” Dr. Pfukhrolo Koza, Senior Dental Surgeon focuses on the 3 stages of Oral health – Preventive, Restorative and Rehabilitation. In his session, he also stresses the need to maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy balanced diet of natural foods. He also highlighted the long-term impacts of tobacco consumption on women’s health. The awareness session was followed by a Medical Camp by the District Hospital Phek. Altogether, 370 patients availed of services in the areas of gynaecology, dental, medicine, and ophthalmology.
At Kohima, the event was celebrated in collaboration with SEWA Union Kohima and the State Institute of Rural Development. The event consisted of interactive sessions with women at the grassroots, along with sessions around Legal Rights and Entitlements, Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Around 70 participants attended this programme.
Vikuonuo Belho, the only female two-wheeler taxi rider in Kohima, shared with everyone how her interest towards the taxi service started during the lockdown when she had to look for an alternative to earn some income and began delivering vegetables and food for people. Since then she has continued, yet she faces the challenge of people stereotyping her based on her gender and questioning her driving skills. She also shared her concerns about security faced not just by her but by the other drivers too especially while dealing with drunk customers. Another grassroot women leader and entrepreneur Vepotalü Solo shares how her entrepreneurial journey started at a young age owing to her responsibility of taking care of her siblings. Over the years she has engaged in different types of business for sustenance. She goes on to share that one of her greatest achievements is the skills of making sticky rice roti and weaving.
Ketholenuo Solo, project officer NCIU Kohima, spoke on the theme “Inspire Inclusion”. In her address, she stressed the need for good partnership, support and solidarity among women. Chozhule Kikhi Rtd. Deputy Director, Horticulture encouraged the participants to engage in activities such as gardening which not only provided security for food but can also be a way to generate income. She also shared about how vegetable vendors can reduce food waste by converting it into processed foods such as pickles and generate income. She encouraged the women participants to be more confident in themselves, be self-reliant and participate in decision-making. Nancy Lotha, Advocate cum panel Lawyer, shared about the laws for women and children, including laws for the protection of women from domestic violence, immoral trafficking, gender equality, and maintenance & welfare of parents and senior citizens, legal aid and legal services.
Together, IWD 2024 in Nagaland was all about celebrating women’s contributions, discussing issues on gender equality, and promoting women’s leadership health and well-being.
