Pritpal Kaur, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Phek, along with others during the IWD programme held at Pioneer’s Complex, CBCC, Phek on March 10.
Phek, March 10 (MExN): International Women’s Day 2026 was celebrated in Phek on Tuesday with a call to strengthen women’s leadership, rights and community participation.
The programme was organised by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in collaboration with the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) and the District Management Unit (DMU), Phek at Pioneer’s Complex, CBCC, under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action.” for all women and girls, with the slogan “#GiveToGain”.
The event brought together women leaders, Self Help Group (SHG) members, Community Conserved Area (CCA) representatives and other community stakeholders to celebrate women’s achievements and promote women’s leadership and empowerment.
The formal session was chaired by CWWS executive director Mrs Nezelu N Kotso, who welcomed the gathering and highlighted the organisation’s work in promoting women’s empowerment through livelihood initiatives such as weaving, tailoring, fruit and vegetable processing and hospitality services. She also informed that CWWS would celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year and highlighted the organisation’s training programmes and the NABARD-supported TRIBES project that supports local artisans and weavers.
Delivering the introductory address, Akhrieno Khamu, project manager and field coordinator of the NFMP-JICA project, emphasised the vital roles women play in households, communities and development processes. She acknowledged the contributions of several SHGs and noted the growing participation of women in leadership and community initiatives.
Planning and Livelihood Expert of DMU Phek, Ozo Venuh, highlighted the importance of women’s education and the role of SHGs as platforms for financial independence and collective progress.
An exhortation was delivered by Zhonelu Tunyi, president of the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA), who encouraged women to recognise their strength and potential as agents of change while urging the community, including men, to continue supporting women in all spheres of life.
Women from SHGs and CCA representatives also shared their experiences, recounting their journeys of financial empowerment and community engagement through collective initiatives.
The event was attended by Pritpal Kaur, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Phek, as the special guest. In her address, she emphasised the importance of agriculture, entrepreneurship and women’s leadership. Sharing her personal journey, she encouraged young women to pursue their dreams and stand up for their rights, while stressing the need to address crimes against women and calling for collective efforts to ensure justice, dignity and safety for all women and girls.
