Vevoyi W.D. Vadeo and others during 29th General Session of SWWS at Zhavame on October 11.
Secheku Women Welfare Society 29th general session held
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 11
The 29th General Session of Secheku Women Welfare Society (SWWS) was held today at Zhavame village in Phek district under the theme “Unlocking Potential: Women Entrepreneurs as Architects of a Sustainable Future.”
Gracing the session as the guest speaker, Vevoyi WD Vadeo, National Vice President, National People’s Party (NPP) maintained that women play a vital role as architects of progress and positive change. He stressed on need to “reaffirm our shared commitment to shaping a sustainable future for the Secheku area and beyond.”
For centuries, women have shouldered the weight of community, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Yet, their efforts often go unseen and unrecognized, he said. Despite their crucial roles, women are often looked down upon and discriminated against in modern society, he maintained.
When modernity arrived, we tried to adapt, but we seem to have gotten it mixed up. We misconstrued the concept of modern life, including education, jobs, entrepreneurship, and leadership, as male-dominated pursuits, Vadeo said.
As a result, he said, many women today undervalue themselves and become timid, feeling that these roles aren't meant for them.
“Ours is a patriarchal society and property rights are traditionally granted to men. However, this doesn't imply that women are inferior or discriminated against. Our tradition acknowledges the physical differences between men and women, which isn't about discrimination, but rather about complementary roles. There are matrilineal communities where property and hereditary rights belong to women, and they don't claim men are discriminated against. The issue lies in our mindset, which holds back our womenfolk,” he said.
‘Women were backbone of our conventional wealth and economy’
Historically, Vadeo said, women were the backbone of our conventional wealth and economy, accumulating and managing resources that our society heavily depended on.
In the modern context, women in the Secheku area have once again emerged as the primary architects and contributors to our progress and development, he said.
Touching on the theme, Vadeo, he said “Women in the Secheku area must transcend traditional boundaries and spearhead Entrepreneurial, Leadership, Educational, Economic, Social, Cultural, and Religious initiatives.”
What's truly remarkable is that the women of Secheku are already trailblazing, harnessing their ingenuity and resilience to forge thriving businesses and uplift our community, he said.
With education, women can equip themselves with the skills to start and grow businesses, create jobs, drive economic growth, and contribute to the community's prosperity, he said adding that “By prioritizing education, we can empower women to become leaders and guide our people toward progress.”
When women thrive in entrepreneurship and leadership, our communities flourish, and our people advance. Let's make education our top priority in shaping a sustainable future, he said.
Stating that that women have been the backbone of families and communities, he said “Women should step forward and take on leadership responsibilities. While societal and conventional factors exist, I also hold women accountable for their own empowerment.’
Your reluctance to take responsibility is indirectly forcing society, the Church, and the government to limit your potential. Break the chains, come forward, and prove that you don't need reservations or special treatment. You're not inferior, he said.
He urged upon the women of Secheku area to unlock their potential and become the architects of a sustainable future.
“Break free from traditional boundaries, completely erase the mindset of 'not for us', 'beyond our scope', and 'women should not', and take charge of your entrepreneurial, leadership, educational, economic, social, cultural, and religious journeys,” he said.
With determination and passion, you can create a thriving future for yourselves, your families, and your community. Let's work together to foster growth, innovation, sustainability and inclusivity, Vadeo said.
When women succeed, economies thrive, and communities prosper, he added.
Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) General Secretary Kezevinuo Krome shared greetings while SWWS President Dezele Thopi delivered presidential address. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Shone Pohena, president Zhavame Women Society. Vote of thanks was proposed SWWS advisor Wetehiu Kepfo.
