Dimapur, December 27 (MExN): Observers of issues concerning women are of the view that the government of Nagaland must implement the Guwahati High Court’s order to the state to implement the 33% reservation of seats for women in the coming municipal elections. However, it is also for the women to also ‘step in,’ according to opinions aired during a seminar – "Women’s Representation in Decision Making Processes in Nagaland," held recently during December 14-15 in Kohima.
Organized by NGO North East Network, resolutions from the seminar – based on the inputs of participants and panelists from the Centre – were exacted. Members of the Planning Commission of India, National Commission for Women as well as those from the state had attended the seminar.
The discussions were “explicit on the necessity to position 33% women’s representation, particularly in context of the forthcoming municipality elections in Nagaland,” a note from the organizers received here today said. “The reservation issue requires collaborative effort from both men women and the state government was emphasized.” The note was appended by Vinita Singhi of North East Network.
The panelists also reiterated that engaging women in political activity contributes to ‘participatory human development and potentials therein’. “In the context of Nagaland, a lawyer panelist said that it was incumbent upon the State and the National Commission for Women that while urging equality for women in Naga society, to also raise the issue of repeal of AFSPA, which the Jeevan Reddy Committee described as, 'discriminatory' and has been held by UN bodies as violative of human rights,” the NGO said.
The discussions birthed a 6-point ‘resolution.’ “We urge large number of Naga women to step in for the municipal and town council elections. We encourage capacity building of women leaders at the grassroots level,” the ‘resolutions’ said.
The seminar welcomed the order of the High Court directing implementation of 33% quota for women in the municipalities and town councils in Nagaland. It marks the beginning of Naga women’s participation in political decision-making,” the seminar said.
“We urge the state government to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election. We urge that the letter and spirit of the High Court order be well taken by the government along with measures in providing orientation workshops for elected women members in collaboration with competent organizations. We hope that this High Court order would set a precedent for reservation of women at all levels of governance including Village Councils and the State Assembly.”
