Mokokchung, November 21 (MExN): The Department of English, Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung organised the ‘Lit-Colloquium’ Series 2 on the topic ‘Silent Screams: Gender Issues in Naga Society’ with Sentilong Ozukum (SDO, Civil) as the guest speaker on November 20.
In his address, Ozukum raised some common gender issues prevalent in the Naga society and discussed them by drawing instances from real life incidences, a FAC release informed.
It included the ‘Question of Identity’ where he questioned dual identity of a woman- by birth, and by marriage- and its ramifications, it said.
‘Inheritance of Property’ was also another issue raised and Ozukum reiterated on how there should be a clear distinction between inherited and acquired property, it added.
On ‘Domestic violence,’ he stressed on the importance of sensitising and educating people and to come out of the social stigma posed by the society.
Ozukum further encouraged the representation of women in decision making bodies asserting that man cannot make decisions for women while dealing on ‘Gender Inequality.’
Meanwhile, sharing his thoughts on ‘Customary Law,’ he further underscored that law which has not been codified and which is not woman-friendly needs to be re-interpreted and changed since culture is dynamic.
Other gender issues included ‘Gender Gap in Pay’, ‘Stereotyping’, ‘Sexual Exploitation’, ‘Discrimination in Employment Opportunities’, and ‘Lack of Economic Empowerment’.
The programme, led by Imolemla of BA 5th Semester, ended with an interactive disquisition on the different issues and a note of thanks by Bendangsenla Assistand Professor, Department of English.
