‘Support, Influence, Excel’

“What is our status today?” asked Sentila T Yanger, at the opening of the Women Empowerment and Leadership Summit, held at Bamboo Hall, Kisama on April 25. Sentila, a Padmashree awardee, stated that every woman should ask this question, keeping in mind the programs, laws and acts made for them. Under the theme, ‘Support, Influence, Excel,’ the two day conference is being organized by the Alaphra Group, focusing on how women can lead the next decade and accelerate growth through ‘Womenomics’.

“The mindset and the status quo mentality is the biggest hindrance,” viewed Nagaland Governor, Dr Ashwini Kumar, who also inaugurated the event. He asserted that despite attributing the blame to culture, customs and traditions, it is often people’s mentality that hinders empowerment of women. While reflecting on the status of women in the North East, the Governor said that empowerment of women entails more than mere reservation of seats in elected local bodies and Legislative Assemblies. It instead implies equal partnership in all walks of life, he stated. Dr Kumar added that though the Indian Constitution ensures equal rights to women, “the lofty ideals of equality have remained confined to the books and have not been translated into actual practice.”

He said that the participation of women in decision making is most vital for quick and balanced progress. Empowerment implies equal partnership in all walks of life for which women need to be properly educated and be made economically independent, he added. Dr. Kumar also stated that another area where women must make the biggest effort is Information Technology. He said that computers, internet and social media are going to be the greatest empowering tools of the 21st century. Women can do e-learning, e-business, earn money while sitting at home and at the time of their convenience and can also easily connect to each other and also the outside world through this medium, he stated.

The Governor stated that women were denied basic human rights all over the world until the concept of equality came in to being and the right to vote was granted. He however mentioned that some countries still exist where women do not have the same right to vote as men.

Pukhayi Sumi, Parliamentary Secretary for Women Development, spoke as the Guest of Honor. He stated that, “Leadership is the fastest way to empower women.” “Your success will be our inspiration tomorrow,” he added.

The two day conference will focus on women empowerment, equality and leadership with various speakers from the North East and the rest of the country.