Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak and others with NSCW 2024 Awardees. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 8
“Investing in women is not just a matter of morality, but a matter of social and economic progress. When we invest in women, we invest in a better tomorrow for everyone – a society where opportunities are equal, achievements are celebrated, and progress knows no boundaries.”
This was stated by Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse at the International Women’s Day celebration at The Heritage, Kohima this morning.
Stating that women as the backbone of the society have been resiliently carrying the weight of their roles with grace, intelligence and unwavering determination, she said it is time to recognise the potential that lies within women and invest in them by providing them with equal opportunities, resources, and support so that they can thrive and succeed.
To this end, Kruse cited education of the girl child as a vital catalyst for positive change stating that by investing in their education, we are investing in a brighter future for all.
Also stating that economic empowerment is vital towards achieving gender equality, Salhoutuonuo viewed that when women have access to resources, they become powerful drivers of economic growth adding that the successes of women in the business world inspire and create a ripple effect, shaping a more equitable society for all.
The Minister also emphasised on the magnitude of investing in women's health and well-being by creating more awareness on healthcare services, reproductive rights, gender-based violence, gender disparities etc.
She cited investment in women’s leadership as one of the most important aspect as women bring diverse perspectives, empathy, and collaboration to the decision-making table. When women are equally represented in positions of power and influence, Kruse maintained that policies are more inclusive, societies become more just, and progress is accelerated.
“It is crucial to support and mentor aspiring women leaders, provide them with the necessary training, and create an environment that allows them to break through the glass ceiling,” she stated.
On the occasion, the Minister called upon both men and women to recommit towards investing in women and continue to make the efforts and provide them with the tools they need to succeed to accelerate progress, create a more sustainable future, and reach new heights of an equitable society. She also inaugurated the Myki Fest and gave away various awards.
'Still a long way towards gender equality'
Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak observed that Naga women have come a long way from being spectators on the sidelines to taking the centre stage in many areas.
While acknowledging the importance of women in the society and their crucial contribution to progress, he viewed that ‘we’ still have a long way to go in realising true gender equality.
In this context, Konyak opined that programmes and events like today play a vital role in continuing the discourse on gender equality and raising awareness asserting on the need to invest in empowering women through education, skill development, economic empowerment and giving them access to decision making roles.
Although currently most leadership roles are dominated by men, Konyak maintained that with the change of times, it is imperative to integrate women into decision making bodies across all sectors, be it private or public sectors.
Citing the names of women who are making an impact in social, political and economic space, he stated that they are testaments to the argument that inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles are integral to the progress of our Naga society.
Expressing confidence that the society will continue to witness the rise of Naga women in every aspect, Konyak emphasised on the importance of investing in women through education, skill development, especially leadership guidance etc to build a progressive society.
The celebratory event was jointly organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Department of Women Resource Development, Nagaland State Commission for Women, Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission and SHEW, Mission Shakti.
Nagaland State Commission for Women Awards 2024
The Nagaland State Commission for Women Awards 2024 were given to C Tsurila from Muleangkiur Village, Shamator district for her initiatives in linking women from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly, young girls with various departments for skill development trainings.
The other awardees were Nengneithem Hengna, founder of Runway HM Private Limited and ‘Made in Nagaland’ jewellery brand who has also received numerous awards and accolades and K. Ela, Director of Prodigals’ Home who has been in the social work sector for almost two decades.
Meanwhile the organisers felicitated Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse; Member of Parliament, Phangnon Konyak and Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu.
NSCW also acknowledged the Padmashree Awardees namely Chubalemla Ao (1981, Social Works); Neidonuo Angami (200, social works); Prof Temsula Ao (2007, Literature & Education) (Posthumous); Sentila T Yanger (2008, Art); Dr P Kilemsungla (2014, literature & education); Lentina Ao Thakkar (2018, Social work) and Neihunuo Sorhie (2023, Art).
The NSRLM also felicitated SHG Women Achievers as Best SHG to Tetemjen SHG from Chuchuyimpang, Mokokchung; Best Performing Village Level Organisation to Azikeh VLO from Sanphure, Kiphire and Kedakelie VLO from Jakhama, Kohima; Best Performing Cluster Level Federation to Japfüphi Thenuko from Jakhama Block; Most Successful Credit Linkage to Viketuno Edith Rutsa from Sechü Zubza; Gender Champion to Wepretsou Kupa from Pfusero Block; Lakpatti Didi to Bendangsenla Weo from Chümoukedima Block; Most Enterprising SHG Woman to Rhucheu Marhu from Pfutsero Block and Most Inspiring Placement to Easter Konyak from Mon.
