International Women’s Day 2026 was celebrated in Nagaland on March 7 at the Capital Convention Centre on the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
Addressing the programme, Minister for Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John paid tribute to the strength and invaluable contributions of women in Nagaland and across the world. He said the day is not only about celebration but also about recognition of the sacrifices made, barriers broken and achievements earned by women in every sphere of life.
The Minister noted that women have always played a vital role in shaping Naga society. “They are the backbone of our families, the strength of our villages, and the guiding force of our churches and communities,” he said, adding that from agricultural fields to marketplaces, and from classrooms to hospitals, Naga women continue to contribute tirelessly to the progress of the state.
Expressing pride in the achievements of women, he said in Nagaland women are given equal opportunities in many fields. “Today, our girls are shinning in competitive examinations and academic achievements. In civil services, education, entrepreneurship, and professional careers, they are proving that dedication and hard work know no gender,” he noted.
Highlighting progress in political representation, he said Nagaland currently has two women Members of the Legislative Assembly and one woman representing the state in the Rajya Sabha, S Phangnon Konyak. Their presence in leadership, he said, reflects the growing voice and confidence of Naga women in governance.
Remembering pioneers such as Rano M Shaiza, the first woman Member of Parliament from Nagaland, he said her courage and leadership paved the way for future generations. He also acknowledged organizations like the Naga Mothers’ Association, whose message “Shed No More Blood” has demonstrated the powerful role of women as agents of peace, reconciliation and social reform.
“Indeed, Naga society shines because of its women. Their strength, wisdom, patience and faith have built our homes and strengthened our communities. When women rise, families rise. When families rise, Nagaland rises,” he said.
At the same time, the Minister pointed out that challenges such as gender-based violence and unequal access to opportunities still persist and must be addressed collectively. Referring to statistics on gender-based violence in the state, he stressed the urgent need to address this serious issues, describing it as a violation of human rights and a major obstacle to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Advisor for Social Welfare and chief host of the event, Wangpang Konyak said the theme of the day reminds society that rights must be claimed, justice must be delivered and action must be taken, particularly for women and girls facing barriers to access and opportunity in rural areas.
He informed that the Social Welfare Department functions as the nodal agency for three ministries — Women and Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Rural Development — implementing various women-centric welfare schemes. Through initiatives such as Mission Shakti, the Government of India has been promoting a shift from women’s welfare to women-led development.
Konyak also highlighted that in some of Nagaland’s villages and districts, extraordinary stories are unfolding through the power of collective strength and government-supported initiatives through the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Women Resources Development and Mission Shakti, which focus on empowering women through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and livelihood support.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Citing reports of the National Crime Records Bureau, he noted that Nagaland has often been ranked among the safest states for women in India with relatively low crime rates. However, he cautioned that incidents of violence against women and girls have been rising in recent years.
The MLA called upon everyone present to confront the reality of violence, encourage men and boys to participate, change discriminatory attitudes and bring an end to gender based violence, in effect, ensuring that women’s dignity is protected and upheld.
The programme also featured a grand felicitation ceremony honouring outstanding Self Help Groups, federations and individual women achievers for the financial year 2025–26 for their contributions to rural livelihoods and women empowerment.
Under the NSRLM awards, Doyal SHG from Dhansiripar, Dimapur was adjudged the Best Self Help Group for 2025–26, while Tsithrongse Village VLO from Dhansiripar received the award for Best Village Level Organisation. Oasis Federation from Jalukie block was recognized as the Best Cluster Level Federation (above three years), and Unique Cluster Level Federation from Chümoukedima block as the Best Cluster Level Federation (above five years).
Several individual achievers were also honoured. Arila Sangtam received the award for Most Inspiring Placement under NSRLM, while Diethovino Chutso was recognized as a Social Change Maker for her contribution to social inclusion and development initiatives.
Neisavino Mera was awarded Best SHG Woman in Financial Inclusion, Napaholi H Muru received the award for Most Enterprising SHG Woman in the Non-Farming Livelihood category, and Angeli Medeo was honoured for Outstanding Leadership in Farm Livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), led by Chairperson Nginyeih Konyak, conferred the NSCW Awards 2026 on distinguished women leaders for their exceptional service and commitment.
The NSCW Excellence Award 2026 was presented to Ponglem Konyak, President of Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), for her outstanding contributions in social and community services, while the NSCW Award 2026 was conferred on Apeuna Iheilung, President of Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation, for her leadership and dedicated service to society.
The programme also included the felicitation of municipal workers and Anganwadi workers, acknowledging their vital role in community welfare and grassroots development.
The programme was chaired by Theodore Yanthan, Joint Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland (GoN). The invocation was pronounced by Rev Izieteilung Tering, State Chaplain, setting a solemn tone for the event.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Vilone Sakhrie, Director of the Directorate of Women Resource Development, welcomed the officials, representatives, and participants, and underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing women-centric initiatives.
The keynote address was delivered by Limawabang Jamir, IAS, Secretary and Administrative Head of Department (AHoD), Department of Social Welfare, GoN.
In his address, he emphasized the significance of Mission Shakti in ensuring safety, protection, and empowerment of women, and called for stronger inter-departmental coordination to effectively implement various schemes under the mission.
An awareness video on Mission Shakti was screened during the programme to sensitize attendees on the objectives and components of the initiative.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Moa Sangtam, Joint Secretary, Department of Rural Development, GoN, and Mission Director of the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, who expressed appreciation to all departments and partners for their collaboration and support.
The programme was jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, Mission Shakti under SHEW-SANKALP, the Nagaland State Commission for Women, the Department of Women Resource Development, Government of Nagaland, the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and the Kohima Municipal Council.
