Looking at the recent development and debate on the 33% for women reservation in urban local bodies in Nagaland we are witnessing a turbulence whether reservation is justify for women or as some have argued not the right time for implementation to empower women. Despite amid obstructive theatrics from various corners against the bill, the Government of Nagaland decided to implement 33% reservation for women.
A French Philosopher by the name Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes “Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains”. In this quotation Rousseau explain that people deserve to be free but that they are chained by the societies in which they live. For Rousseau, a society may legitimately coerce its people only when they agree to be ruled by that society and increased their safety and cooperation. The governance of our Naga tribes is the society and is it the legitimacy for society the end in itself justifies the denial of individual freedom for personal development. I should say, to be a part of the society and be within its whole is needed for an individual but it should not restrict any individual progress and development for a better society as society is an association of association.
History has shown men denying women the so called Equality. Our religion, our organisations and all countries at certain point of time have deprived women of their due. Women are suppressed and ill-treated. Even the urban elite women too feel they are discriminated as they are not allowed to play a significant role in the decision making in public affairs. Women reservation quota is one aspects of women voice calling for equality not to make them equally with men per se but venturing out what is due to be given.
It is no doubt that women possess exceptional qualities that men don’t possess. These qualities are crucial for bringing progress and wellness not only in our family but also in any society. And if the society lacks progress and wellness, it is because women have not been allowed to play the role they are created for.
Our Naga society is generally regarded as liberal but behind the veil women are suppress through various form of discrimination. It is the uniformly and strongly chauvinistic mindset that has provided a resistance for women participation in the political process. It is high time that we give opportunity for women to participate in the politics of Nagaland and consider as a tool to improve representation of the marginalised society. Moreover, to empower women it can be achieve only through their active participation in the political process and not making them an outsider and observer of the politics. It is only then a vibrant Naga society will exist where gender equality is expressed and it is extremely vital as it will know the views of both the sexes to develop an egalitarian society.
We need to overcome gender prejudice and it is only through such kind of affirmative action the best way to usher social and gender justice. Moreover, it is time for women to be more vocal and to take ownership of their own destiny. In the end, I would like to rephrase Shri. C.K. Prahalad views on ‘perception on the poor’ with respect to women “If we stop thinking of Naga women as inferior or as obstacle and start recognising them as resilient and creative women and value conscious humans, a whole new world of opportunity will open up”.
Dr. Achanger, Dimapur
