By Dr Asangba Tzudir
Empowerment and Internal Patriarchy
In the recent years Nagaland is witnessing a historic shift in its political landscape. For a very long time, women in the state remained largely unrepresented from formal political institutions despite their visible role in society, civil organisations, and community life. However, the narrative is slowly changing through the election of leaders such as Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2023. It marked a breakthrough as they became the first women to enter the State Legislative Assembly since the inception of the state. Similarly, Phangnon Konyak became the first woman from Nagaland to be elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022. Such markers in history signal the dawn of a new era of women’s participation in governance, and that it may finally be emerging.
Yet, celebrating these ‘firsts’ should not obscure a deeper and more uncomfortable question. Can we call this empowerment? While political participation is undoubtedly a crucial step toward gender equality, especially in a society historically shaped by patriarchal customs and male-dominated decision-making structures. Scholars have also observed that Naga society, while often perceived as relatively egalitarian, remains fundamentally patriarchal in its political institutions and customary laws.
However, within changing times and looking at the way things are evolving, the challenge today is not only the resistance from men. Often, the persistence of patriarchy can be sustained ironically by women themselves. The remark that “sometimes women are more patriarchal than men” may sound provocative, but it rather reflects an important social reality. Patriarchy is not merely a system enforced by men but it is also a ‘culturally produced mindset’ that can be internalised by women. When women themselves defend or reinforce exclusionary traditions, discourage other women from entering into leadership roles, or simply reproduce the very norms that limit their participation, they end up reinforcing the very structures they seek to overcome.
“Beyond the firsts” and the idea of representation, it bring to light a critical truth, that ‘empowerment’ cannot solely come through institutional reforms. It must also arise from women’s own willingness to challenge all the inherited assumptions and patriarchal worldviews. Historically, Naga women have demonstrated remarkable collective strength through organisations such as the Naga Mothers' Association, which played a key role in peace building, social reform, and advocacy against violence and substance abuse. These efforts have proved that women have long been agents of transformation in Naga society. Yet the transition from moral authority in civil society to political authority in governance has been slow and uneven.
The emerging generation of women leaders therefore carries a huge responsibility. While they must challenge the structural barriers that have kept women out of formalised power, they must also confront internalised patriarchy which exists in various forms within their own communities. True empowerment therefore, requires not only breaking male centered structures but also reshaping the cultural attitudes that have for so long normalized exclusion.
The defining era of “first women leaders” will pass but the real test will be whether these pioneers inspire a broader transformation in the political culture and Political economy. If women become advocates of inclusive leadership whereby they encourage real participation in policy making rather than just gatekeeping, then the future of governance in Nagaland may indeed move beyond such token milestones and firsts.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
