Wokha district celebrated International Women’s Day at Tiyi Hall on March 7 on the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. for All Women and Girls.”
The programme was organized by the Wokha District Administration, Department of Social Welfare, District Hub for Empowerment of Women, and Sakhi One Stop Centre under Mission Shakti in collaboration with Lotha Eloe Hoho and the Wokha District Legal Services Authority. Secretary, Home Department, Government of Nagaland, Elizabeth Ngully, graced the occasion as the special guest.
In her address, the special guest highlighted that women across the world still face discrimination and noted that women enjoy only about 64 percent of the legal rights that men have. She stressed the need to ensure equal opportunities, participation in decision-making, and the importance of speaking up against discrimination.
Referring to the context of Nagaland, she stated that while women have always been respected, they are often sidelined from decision-making processes. She noted that the recent introduction of women’s reservation in urban local bodies has opened doors for greater participation, with women now serving as councillors.
She also pointed out that women are often expected to limit their ambitions, being told to be confident but not outspoken, and to follow certain social expectations. Despite these challenges, she acknowledged that many women continue to pursue their dreams while balancing family responsibilities.
The special guest emphasized that providing equal opportunities for women does not take away opportunities from others but strengthens society as a whole. She called for raising daughters with confidence and sons with respect, creating fair workplaces, and ensuring women are included in decision-making platforms.
Stating that the demand for equal rights is not a competition with men, she added that equality ultimately makes society stronger for everyone.
Speaking at the programme, ADC Wokha Renbomo Ezung encouraged the organizers to also invite men to such events so that they too become aware of women’s rights. He further urged women to continue standing up for their rights and contribute actively to society.
Lotha Eloe Hoho president, Thungbeni called upon women to value the significance of International Women’s Day, noting that it has long been observed to raise awareness against discrimination faced by women and girls. She emphasized that women are capable and should never underestimate themselves, adding that women can achieve anything that men can if they believe in their potential.
During the programme, felicitation and awards were also presented to recognize outstanding achievements. Awards were given to the Best Performing Self-Help Group (SHG), Successful Entrepreneur (Business), and Upcoming Entrepreneur (Business). Winners of the Flower Exhibition were also awarded for their entries.
Mon:
Advocate, Meghalaya High Court, B Kerry Konyal along with EAC Mon, Kedoseno Rino, DWO, Atong Yanlem and other officials at Mon
District Administration, Department of Social Welfare, DHEW, Sakhi-OSC in collaboration with Baptist Women Union, Mon Town organized International Women’s Day with the theme “Right. Justice. Action. For all women and Girls” on March 7 at Social Welfare Conference Hall, Mon Town. B Kerry Konyak, Advocate, Meghalaya High Court was the resource person for the programme.
The resource person explained the rights and privileges of a woman and fundamental rights- Rights to equality and equality before the law. All these rights are given to empower women in the society, he added. He encouraged the gathering to know their rights and stand up for their justice and action. He also explained the social structure of our society- the cultural and traditional limitations for women folk and asserted that all these barriers will be overcome through education.
Stating that change will begin from respective homes at the grassroot level, he urged to implement equal respect and opportunities from the family.
Kedoseno Rino, EAC Mon in her short speech said being a woman in our society means embodying the resilient backbone of family and community, where our role fuses strength, cultural guardianship and interdependence with men. She said it is truly a blessing to be born as a woman- a force of resilience, nurturing and strength, where society cannot progress when half of its population is neglected.
Asserting that Women form a vital part of society as mothers, daughters, sisters and wives, she said when you educate a woman, you educate a generation. She encouraged everyone to commit to uphold rights, delivering justice and driving action to build a stronger and more inclusive world.
Neijoi Konyak, Specialist, DHEW highlighted the components of Mission Shakti. Anganwadi Workers:- Khahngom from Mon Project, Monghai Konyak from Tizit Project, Sony from Aboi Project, Ngapsha from Phomching project, Teme Konyak from Wakching Project and Ahong Mercy Konyak from Tobu Project were felicitated for their good performance.
The programme was chaired by Ngapkai, Para Medical Personnel, OSC. Welcome address was delivered by Atong Yanlem, DWO, Mon and invocation was pronounced by Roiseng, Finance Secretary, Baptist Women Union. A Special Number was presented by Esther, while the program culminated with a vote of thanks by Gonyei Konyak, Specialist in Financial Literacy, DHEW.
Longleng:
Ase Zao, wife of MLA, A Pongshi Phom addressing during the International Women’s Day at Longleng
Phomla Hoichem, the apex women body of the Phom community and District Hub for Empowerment of Women in convergence with NRLM-SHGs, SBI & SCK (IDAN) Longleng, celebrated international women’s day on the theme ” Leading the Change: Women shaping a sustainable future ” on March 7 at public ground Longleng, with Ase Zao, lady wife of MLA, A Pongshi Phom, as the special guest.
Ase Zao, in her address said despite global unrest, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) rejoices in the achievement of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). She expressed her gratitude to the organizers and the district hub for women’s empowerment and Phomla Hoichem for organizing the program. Highlighting the achievements of Phom women, she said “Women are powerful in their own ways” and noted that women play a vital role in shaping society, starting from the family. She pointed out that behind every successful man, there is a woman she advises women to stay busy to avoid temptation. She also inaugurated the exhibition stalls setup by various departments and SHGs.
EAC Yongnyah, Imkongnukla Ao, and Chairman & Team Leader Lemsachenlok, Y Nuklu Phom also spoke at the program. President Phomla Hoichem, A. Ainyu Phom delivered the welcome address, while the significance of the day was said by M. Chingong Phom. Team Harmony Heritage presented a song called Awe-Inspiring, while the Acknowledgement & Awards was presented by, DMC, DHEW, P Phongla Phom.
Senior Gynaecologist from District Hospital Longleng, Dr. Nounenuo Terhase, spoke on HPV vaccination campaign against Cervical Cancer. The programme was chaired by Cultural Secretary ENWO, Lipom Phom, and commenced with an invocation pronounced by Associate Pastor for women, Ao Baptist Church Longleng, Asangla Imchen. A dedicatory prayer was also proposed by Women Secretary PBCA, Angbhenla Phom. The event acknowledged the importance of women’s contributions and their roles in society.
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Shamator:
The International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 7 on the theme, “Right. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” at DC’s Conference Hall, Shamator. The programme was organized by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with SEWA (Self Employed Women Association) Shamator.
The program was graced by Deputy Commissioner, Chubatemjem and his lady wife Imnasenla. Introductory speech and lighting of lamp to mark the occasion was done by C Tsurila, field Incharge Shamator SEWA.
The theme speaker of the day, Renchano Odyuo, DPO Shamator spoke on the rights of women & girls and highlighted the importance of eliminating domestic violence, sexual harassment and equal opportunities in all aspects of life. She also encouraged the womenfolk to avail the services provided by One Stop Centre.
During the programme five women were honoured with certificates of appreciation for their good performance and contributions in their respective fields.
Meluri:
International Women’s Day was celebrated at Meluri on March 7 at Pochury Hoho building, Conference hall, Meluri organized by One Stop Centre (OSC) and Mission Shakti, Meluri in collaboration with the Pochury Mothers’ Association (PMA), on the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action: For ALL Women & Girls.”
The event honored women’s achievements and focused on community empowerment. Deputy Commissioner & Chairperson, DLC Mission Shakti, K Mhathung Tsanglao (NCS), delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the necessity of collective action to ensure gender justice.
The program featured a special musical performance by PAPO and insightful extempore speeches from representatives of women from five Pochury areas. The celebration also marked the inauguration of the “Pochury Indigenous Cuisine Competition,” celebrating local heritage and tradition, which was sponsored by Ladies Club Meluri.
The event was led by Centre Administrator Kum, Jitsiasa Nyusou, with welcome remarks proposed by President, Pochury Mother’s Association, Tvusesii. Invocation & benediction were pronounced by Chithothsii, Women Chairperson, St. Xavier Parish Church, Meluri and Virhotshü, Executive Member, Pohury Mother’s Association respectively.
Phek:
Imlibenla Nienu, lady wife of MLA, Azo Nienu
In Phek the International Women’s Day was celebrated with Imlibenla Nienu, lady wife of MLA, Azo Nienu as special guest at Town Hall, Phek on March 7 on the theme: Give to Gain-Right, justice, Action, For all Women and Girls”.
Delivering her speech, Imlibenla Nienu Praised God for blessing women with the power of inner strength, that is endurance and said that Inner Strength doesn’t just come alone, but with faith in God. She urged upon women to maintain one’s identity with their own thoughts, voice and motto towards building a firm future.
In his short speech, DC Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, NCS exhorted the gathering expressing his concern about the importance of respect and love between husbands and wives in the families.
The resource person Sekhotso Rokha, Retainer Lawyer, Phek PDLSA stoke on POSCO Act 2012, while Thukutalu Chizo, Panel Lawyer, Phek PDLSA spoke on the topic “Protection of Women from domestic violence”.
President of Chakeshang Mother Association, Zhonillu Tunyi also delivered a short speech, while Neichulou Tsuzu, President of PTWWS delivered a Presidential address at the program. Thomeweu, Panel Lawyer, Phek DLSA chaired the program. Veshienelu H. Keyho and Kanili Dienu offered benediction and invocation prayers respectively.
Folk songs by Bethel Ward and special numbers by Hebron II Ward were the highlights of the program. The program was organised by Phek Town Women Welfare Society in collaboration with Phek District Legal Service Authority.
Chumoukedima:
DPRO Wokha, Lolano Patton with Chumoukedima Lotha Eloe Ekhung officials
Chumoukedima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (Hoho) celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) at LUC Hall, Chumoukedima on March 7 with DPRO Wokha, Lolano Patton as the theme speaker.
Dwelling on the International Women’s Day 2026 theme ” Give to Gain-Right, justice, Action, For all Women and Girls,” Patton opined that the word “Give” does not only amplify from monetary or materialistic perspective but felt that sharing our wisdom, giving our time to nurture the girl child, community, and society has a more deeper impact.
Patton urged the women gathering to empower, uplift and support one another so as to inspire the next generation of girls, thus building a future where every woman can rise with dignity and confidence.
Patton also lauded the Chumoukedima Lotha Eloe Ekhung (Hoho) team led by President, Loponi Ngullie for sacrificing their time, energy, resources, and talents while undertaking several beautification programmes, and taking the lead in organizing several programmes befitting the occasions. She called upon the Lotha women of Chumoukedima to continue to render their support in every possible manner to the team while reminding that communities flourish when women support women.
Citing the example of astronaut Sunita Williams, who walked in the space for 300 days, Lolano said that women can reach the highest achievement and inspire the world and encouraged them to fulfil their aspirations and dreams taking inspiration from women like Sunita Williams.
She also talked about Jasmina Zeliang, a well-known entrepreneur from Nagaland who helped take the traditional Naga weaving to the global stage and has created livelihoods for many women.
President CLEE, Loponi Ngullie delivered the welcome note, while Treasurer CLEE, Renchilo Ezung invoked God’s blessings.
President DLEE, Lichano Jami pronounced the benediction. The programme was chaired by CLEE Finance Secretary, Yisanbeni Ovung, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
