This poster was drawn by 18 years old Wemhelhi-u Thopi as part of an International Women’s Day, 2013, promotion by the North East Network in Chizami. Children from 10-18 years took part in the event.
.JPG)
Imlisanen Jamir
Dimapur | March 7
“The traditional role of a woman”; this is a phrase that figures on most men’s statements when asked about their views on women’s rights and their status in Naga society. Exceptions remain, and support the idea of women’s rights. However, a considerable number of men admit that there are “specific roles” to which women should “adhere to”.
The Morung Express while talking to a few Naga men posed questions on discrimination and violence against women in the society. Yarenthung, a married man from Kohima stated that “in spite of the perception that respect is accorded to women in Naga society, there are a number of cases of domestic violence against them.” He said, “I feel it is an open secret that many families do have cases of domestic violence. It is just that people refuse to talk about it.”
One student from Kohima stated that his father used to regularly hurl abuses at his mother and even resort to physical abuse. He said that it would arise from the slightest of issues in the family. He also cited the instance of his neighbor who would continuously hit their female domestic worker. He stated that the girl had no family and hence had no one to go to. He added that even though people in the locality knew about these incidents, no one approached the authorities or took any action.
Another married man from Dimapur exclaimed, “I respect women and believe that they should be equal but we should keep in mind that once married, women need to devote most of their time to the family.” On being asked if the responsibility of looking after the family falls equally on the shoulders of the man, he replied, “men need to take the major decisions of the household. The woman is an integral part of the family but her role should be to take care of the household mostly.”
Bendang, a college student from Dimapur admits, “no matter how much I try, there is always a feeling that men and women occupy different positions in society.” He further adds, “I know I need to overcome this feeling but I just cannot.” Many other men also admitted to having a similar ‘feeling’.
These statements are the views of the everyday Naga ‘man’ and points to the societal orientation of Naga men towards the ‘woman’. In the midst of some politically incorrect remarks, there were men who went all out in support for women’s equality but also admitted that they still had to brush aside certain discriminatory notions. However, the fact that most of them have to try and change their views on women, points to social and perceptional deficiency on the issue of gender. With the observance of the International Women’s Day today, Naga men need to introspect their perceptions of women in society.
