Kiphire: Giving introductory remark Dr Temsula Ao Chairperson NSCW said, “Customary law is a symbol of our society but today with the change of time society change lifestyle change, thought change, living change so we have to adapt with change. Nagaland being one of the states in India we have to follow the law laid down in the constitution.”
Dr. Ao stated this while addressing the seminar on legal rights of women on marriage, divorce and inheritance and health education- HIV/AIDS organized by Nagaland state commission for women in collaboration with National Commission for Women New Delhi at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall today.
Making her stand clear the chairperson NSCW also said, “the cause of NSCW is not to fight with men but to come closer to you to make customary law more equitable so that distribution of wealth and inheritance should be equal to all children in the family.”
She also remarked that if one section of the community (women) is not moving forward then society is not progressing. She therefore, appealed the Sangtam community to be an example for Nagas in distribution of wealth inheritance and property to women in customary law.
“Customary law should be preserved. However, but if necessary it can also be done away with, if the progress of women in society is hampered,” Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire Neposo Thelou said in his address. The DC said that there are clear provision laid in the constitution for equal rights and opportunities for both genders but at times, it is difficult to exercise our rights. He express gratitude that seminar addressing such issues are providing platform to educate women so that they would know their rights.
Comparing the status of women in Naga society to that of other societies, the DC said, “Discrimination against women may be less comparing to other society but there are cases of discrimination” and asked the men folk present not to discriminate women but work hand in hand so that the society we live in is a balanced society.
Further, the DC said, “today we see women fighting for reservation but society as a whole women are far ahead than men in every field and there may be time where men will ask reservation from women.”
Dr Tsilise representative of USGOA, Pithrongse President USSC, Sepithong and Thsithrongkyu President and Vice president DB/GB forum, Khumpi Hd DB Longkhim, Liodong Vice president and president USLP Seramong who all spoke on the issue of marriage divorce and inheritance share concern on the need of giving equal opportunity for women in society.
Altogether 350 women and men folks from all section attended a seminar, which was followed by seminar on Legal rights of women on health & HIV/AIDS.
