Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 16
As Parliament began a special three-day discussion on the proposed legislation to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan (Women’s Reservation) Act, 2023, in New Delhi, a ‘Mahila Sammelan’ (women’s conference) in Nagaland adopted a resolution supporting the NDA government’s push for implementing the same. The ‘Women’s conference on 33 percent Women Reservation Bill’ was organised by the Nagaland State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha in Dimapur on April 16.
The conference saw representatives from various political wings and civil society organisations to discuss the implications of proposed legislation. They included the NPF Women’s Wing, NPP Nagaland Women’s Wing, Tenyimia Women Association (TWA), Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation (ENWO), and Dimapur Women for City Impact (DWCI). It also had the Deputy Chairperson of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung, and a representative from the Nagaland State Commission for Women.
“Naga women in general support the passing (implementation) of the 33 percent women reservation in the Parliament and states,” was the resolution the conclave adopted.
Vikali A Zhimomi, Working President of the NPF Central Women Wing, termed the proposed legislation a move to address the lack of representation for 800 million women in India. Zhimomi said, “Representation is not a favor, it is a foundation of justice. When women sit at the table, policies on health, education, safety, and economic opportunity change.” She said that in 2024, Nagaland saw 102 women elected to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as a result of legislative action.
Audrey, President of the NPP Women Wing, held that the implementation must be genuine and inclusive, one that is truly committed to equality. While stating that it was about “exclusion, not tradition,” she said that customs should not be used to deny women leadership roles.
The DMC Deputy Chairperson Imlinaro Ezung said that it was the 33 percent reservation platform which gave her the motivation to serve the people. The 2024 elections to the ULBs in Nagaland saw 198 women candidates. She described it as a shift in political attitudes.
The ENWO President, Yingphi Konyak dispelled misconception over seat reservation for women in legislative bodies, stating that is serves as a corrective measure rather than a permanent fixture. “The 33 percent reservation is seen as temporary measure to correct long-standing imbalance until equal participation becomes natural,” Konyak said.
Khontele Seb, DWCI Coordinator, stated that excluding women from decision-making affects human dignity. “This is not about competition... it is about complementarity. It is about men and women working together for the flourishing of the society,” Seb said.
Kerei Pfukha, President of the Tenyimia Women Association, said that the Act should not disrupt Naga ethos or religion. She stated that the provision provides “renewed empowerment for all the womenfolk and Naga women in particular.”
