North East Network (NEN) Nagaland, together with communities of Phek district celebrated the International Women’s Day with the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” at the NEN Resource Centre, Chizami and Women Resource Centre, Runguzu Nasa, respectively, on 8th March 2022. The events brought together 250 participants comprising of women farmers, weavers, community leaders from 28 villages under Phek district, and representatives from several government departments. The event aimed to celebrate women’s contribution and achievements, and their leadership within their household and communities, and build solidarity. The event also aimed to highlight and recognize women’s agency and their capacity to bring about change in their lives and communities.
At Chizami the event was graced by Zachivelu K. Dolie, Deputy Director of Sericulture, Government of Nagaland as guest speaker. She highlighted briefly on the history and significance of International Women’s Day. She noted that ‘women are blessed with multiple talents and hence can do and achieve much more than men’. She stressed that our communities need to move away from our old practices of defining the work of women versus men and changing this narrative has to start with “change from within our kitchens, our homes”. Speaking of the many opportunities open to women and girls, she encouraged the participants to pass on the knowledge on food, farming, weaving, etc to children, irrespective of gender.
IWD was also celebrated by NEN Nagaland on 8th March 2022 at Women Resource Center, Runguzu nasa in collaboration with SEWA, Nagaland. The event witnessed the solidarity of 90 and more community members consisting of women farmers, weavers, Community Leaders from 10 neighboring villages viz- Rugnuzu nasa, Chozuba , Chozuba town, Yoruba, Sekruzu, Phuhgi, Thursutsuswu, Ruzazho, Khutsa and Dzulha,
The event kicked off with the invocation by Thujuno Rhakho, Associate Pastor (W), Chozuba Village, followed by the inauguration of the exhibition. The exhibition featured the Community Seed Banks of Thurutsuswu & Phuhgi, Chizami Weaves, NEN’s photo gallery and bamboo/wood craft sales & display.
The event was graced by Omegali, EAC Chetheba as the guest speaker. Speaking on the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” she explained the impact of climate change, on the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to contribute in the mitigation of climate change. She said, “As women we have all different innate abilities, to be selfless, concerned for the family , society, to think beyond ourselves. The ability to create bonds of friendship, sort out our differences and through such, we all must work towards progressing our community our state for the development and welfare of the state. ”
Angunuo Mirari, General Secretary, SEWA Nagaland welcomed the congregation on behalf of the organisers. Solidarity messages were shared by Mudimulu Vesuwuh, Ex-President , Yoruba Women Society shared on the importance of unity among the community.
Pukhoi Rhakho, VDB Secretary, Chozuba Village, briefly shared the history of IWD. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of women and on behalf of men extended his appreciation for the contribution of women to her family and society.A self composed folk tune celebrating women & girls was presented by SEWA Ruzazho. Benediction was pronounced by Vedulu Tetseo, ex-Women pastor Chozuba.
A very fruitful discussion hour was held with 66 women and 1 men representative ( VCC – Ruzazho) representing the participating 10 communities on a way forward for the welfare of the community and value addition to the existing Women Resource Center.
At its culmination, the VCC Razazho encouraged the women collectives and the organisers to continue such initiatives. He also emphasised on the importance of handmade products particularly, woven products like traditional shawls and mufflers, which can have a ready market locally.
