A group of Naga women along with others wait in queue to cast their votes during a general election in Nagaland. (Morung File Photo)
.jpg)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 7
Conversations on women’s empowerment often centre on women’s voices and experiences, yet men’s perspectives are equally vital. As Nagaland navigates the balance between tradition and change, The Morung Express spoke to a few Naga men about women’s empowerment and its significance. Their reflections suggest that empowerment in Naga society involves not only expanding spaces for women but also ensuring their voice in shaping the community’s future.
Empowerment not about confrontation
Nagaland Baptist Church Council Social Concerns Secretary Dr Villo Naleo believes that women’s empowerment is about creating equal opportunities and recognising women as capable partners in shaping society.
“Women’s empowerment can mean giving equal opportunity in assuming leadership roles, valuing the contribution of women in society, appreciating their roles of motherhood in child rearing, and recognising their abilities in decision making both in the family and in society at large,” says Naleo.
The conversation among men must include addressing long-standing structural barriers emphasising that men must take responsibility in speaking up against practices that treat women as inferior. “…Men should start speaking about the structural barriers and address challenges that consider women as the inferior gender, like banning women from certain celebrations are some things that come to my mind.”
For Mteisuding Heraang, President of Naga Students’ Federation, women’s empowerment is recognising the “important role of Naga women in the family, community and public life.” He points out that historically, Naga women have always contributed significantly to the functioning of society.
In recent years, he observes that Naga women are increasingly visible in professional and leadership spaces, “Which clearly shows that Naga society is giving enough space and opportunities to grow and succeed.”
Empowerment, therefore to Heraang means continuing to support women through education, leadership opportunities and participation in decision making while respecting the customs and traditions of the Naga people.
Lungleng of ‘The Lungleng Show’ has a slightly different aspect pointing out the empowerment in the Naga context is often narrowly understood. He observes, it is “often understood as giving women access to higher education and helping them gain the ability to earn as much as men, or even more.”
While these are important, he opines that this does not necessarily translate into giving women space to participate in decision-making on matters concerning the village or the community. He asserts women’s empowerment should go beyond economic independence and focus on enabling women to have decision-making power in Naga society. On the question of whether any public policy designed for both men and women has ever been formulated with the participation of women, he says, “The answer may be disappointing, because there is hardly any. Women are often given the freedom to decide for themselves, but not in matters that concern the wider community, including men. In short, the real issue is decision-making power.”
Offering his perspectives, Licham Humtsoe, CEO of Été Coffee believes that women’s empowerment should not be understood as a confrontational gender struggle, but rather as a partnership where men and women contribute in different ways, yet both are equally valued.
According to him, while men and women have different roles both carry equal dignity and importance and recognising this balance is crucial when talking about empowerment.
Humstoe also views that cultural traditions are allowed to evolve thoughtfully rather than being rejected outright while adding, “In that sense, women’s empowerment becomes less of a political slogan and more of a practical step toward building healthier families, stronger communities and better leadership.”
Rethinking a male-led society
For Naleo, the importance of discussing women’s empowerment also comes from the recognition that society has largely been led by men for generations. “For so long men have been leading society in the forefront, but the impact of men’s leadership has not been as productive as it should be,” he reflects.
At the same time, he emphasises that empowerment should be viewed through the lens of partnership rather than competition. “I look at it from the perspective of women as equal co-partners,” he explains, adding that while advocating empowerment, there should also be discernment in how the concept is understood in local contexts.
Heraang believes that Naga society is considered one of the safest places for women where their dignity and security are largely respected and assured. To this, he views that the focus should be on further encouraging women’s participation and growth while maintaining the values, respect and harmony that have always existed in Naga society.
For Lungleng encouraging women’s empowerment is not merely about fairness but about building a stronger society stating, “Women’s participation brings a fresh perspective to decision-making processes, often addressing aspects that men may overlook.” He says, “For a society to grow sustainably, the participation of women is non-negotiable.”
Humstoe asserts, “Empowering women is important because the progress of any society depends on the dignity, participation and potential of both men and women.”
