Dimapur, March 11 (MExN): As the International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated across the world recently on March 8, more reports came in from various parts of the State, highlighting events and programmes in commemoration of the day.
SHGs join celebration
The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) celebrated IWD on March 8 with around 47000 women from 5233 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Nagaland.
The celebration was marked by various community level activities initiated and organised by the SHG women as well as block and district IWD events, according to a NSRLM report. Some of the highlights marking the occasion across the 11 districts of Nagaland included viewing of live telecast of the IWD celebration where Minister of Rural Development, Government of India interacted with SHG members. Awareness programmes were held on role of women for a healthier, wealthier and better society, women health care and hygiene among others. Seminars were held on various topics such as ‘Women Empowerment’, ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing women’s Rights’ and ‘Each for Equal’, ‘Fitness for all’ etc.
SHG women accompanied by ASHA workers also visited elderly and ill women with provision of nutritional food items, vitamin supplements and basic health check-up.
Prayer fellowships, fitness sessions for awareness and skill trainings were also initiated.
‘Gender equality can be achieved as a team’
Meanwhile, a joint celebration was organized by Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and Mahila Shakti Kendra - State Resource Centre for women on March 9 at Chümoukedima Town Hall with Additional Director, Department of Social Welfare Chubainla Jamir as guest of honour.
Speaking on the theme ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing women's rights,’ Chubainla talked about how far we have come and what progress we have made for gender equality worldwide.
She said that the observance of the day brings together the next generation of women and girl leaders with women pioneer of the past. It also brings together all the past achievements, she said, and looked forward to how much more we have to achieve together.
It is a day to celebrate change makers in all walks of life and from all ages, Chubainla said, and appealed to the men folk to continue their support, as gender equality can be achieved as a team.
The second session covered awareness on women and child related schemes, according to a DIPR report.
Society Director, Child Protection services (CPS) Chubainla Jamir spoke on the topic Child Protection services. District coordinator, PMMVY Vizosuto Khanyo spoke on Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
Research officer, SRCW Meneno V highlighted details about Sakhi- One Stop Centre and Women Helpline-181 and NSSWB Supervisor Juliana Medom spoke on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao & Mahila Shakti Kendra.
‘Need to complement and complete each other’
Model Christian College (MCC) celebrated International Women’s Day at the college auditorium under the UN theme ‘I am GenerationEquality: Realizing Women’s Rights’ on March 11.
Guest Speaker Meneno Jonathan Mesen emphasized that the idea of equality between men and women is biblical. She said that men and women cannot be independent of each other as there is a need to complement and complete each other.
Led by Nukulu Ruho of BA 6th semester, the programme began with an invocation prayer by Tiayanger of B.Sc 6th semester. A special number was presented by Bendangsunep of B.Sc 6th semester.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Sotsula Khiphur, Women Co-ordinator of the MCC Students' Council.
A flower exhibition was also put up by the Women’s Cell of the college on the occasion.
Children celebrate with Mahila Battalion
About 20 students, between the age group of 1 half to 6 years, and faculty members of Rosemount International Preschool, Chümoukedima centre paid respects to 15 NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion on IWD.
Present on the occasion were Yangba Konyak (Commandant), Joy, Deputy Commandant and 2 IC, Temsu, Deputy Commandant and Adjutant, several other officers, rank and file of the unit.
The officers mentioned that “for the first time in 10 years of its inception and tireless dedication and service, they have been formally acknowledged and honoured by any organisation or institution.”
Highlights of the event were song presentation from the students, women-quotes from a teacher and short speech by Setuo Neikha, MD and Rachel, Centre Manager of the preschool. Temsu, Adjutant led the programme, while the Commandant and 2 IC of the Battalion gave a short speech.
The programme ended with a presentation from the Preschool to the Battalion, followed by a photo session and refreshment.
‘Gender equality is a must’
The Zapami Village Women Society celebrated International Women's Day on March 8 at Zapami village sponsored by VLO and SHG Zapami village on the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights.”
Wete-u Wetsah, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Pfutsero Town in her speech lauded the Zapami women society for organizing the programme to sensitize on the need of women empowerment in the society. Wete-u said that for a society to progress and “realize its full potential of growth in all spheres gender equality is a must.”
Recalling how women have been empowered in the society, she said all can witness faster growth and advancement in all the areas.
Adding that there are still much to be done to fully empower women in the society, she challenged the women and village leaders present to continue to promote gender equality.
Zewekha Wetsah, VCC also exhorted the gathering. The programme was chaired by Lhitewe-u Wetsah, women VDB secretary Zapami, while vote of thanks was proposed by Melhite-u Khutso, chairperson VLO Zapami. Around 200 people attended the programme.
