In observance of International Women’s Day, the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) organized a programme at the MMC Basement in Mokokchung on March 7 under the theme “Give to Gain.” Imyapangla, Project Director of the Department of Rural Development, attended the event as the special guest and delivered the exhortation. Although International Women’s Day is officially observed on March 8, the celebration in Mokokchung was held a day earlier.
In her address, Imyapangla acknowledged the Mokokchung Municipal Council for organizing the programme to recognize and encourage women vendors and entrepreneurs. She noted that since earlier times, Naga women particularly Ao women have played a central role in family life and the local economy through activities such as farming, weaving, carrying water and selling produce in local markets and continue to contribute significantly to the family economy even today.
She said that with the advancement of modern education and employment opportunities, women are also taking leadership roles in various offices and contributing significantly to the wider economy.
Encouraging women to further strengthen their economic participation, she pointed to opportunities in sectors such as farming, organic products, indigenous remedies, spices, traditional handicrafts, weaving and jewellery.
She stressed the importance of modernizing these products to enhance their market value and reach wider markets.
Imyapangla also noted that while women are actively engaged in food processing, there is a need to improve packaging and shelf life standards to make the products more competitive. Similarly, she encouraged refinement and quality improvement in traditional jewellery so that it could be marketed beyond the local area.
She further highlighted the potential of ventures such as sericulture, livestock farming and floriculture, urging women to take up these activities on a larger scale by acquiring knowledge and skills. Referring to the recent presence of cut flower shops in Mokokchung market that source flowers from outside the district, she remarked that women could also explore floriculture and nursery management opportunities in one’s own land.
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She observed that at the MMC complex market, vendors from other communities were often seen running businesses, and encouraged Ao women to overcome hesitation and build confidence in pursuing business opportunities. Emphasizing the dignity of labour, she urged women to view all forms of work with respect and commitment.
Imyapangla also encouraged women entrepreneurs and self-help groups to make use of the various financial assistance schemes available through government departments to start and expand businesses. Citing examples of successful women leaders and entrepreneurs around the world, she urged women to be courageous, adopt new ideas and remain confident.
On the occasion, she encouraged the stall owners not to limit their efforts to special events but to continue their economic activities consistently throughout the year.
As Saturday and Wednesday are weekly bazaar days in the town, prior information were issued requesting vendors to refrain from setting up their usual sales for the day. Instead, two stalls each were allotted to women individuals or group entrepreneurs from the 18 wards of Mokokchung to represent their respective wards. Additionally, the women councillors of MMC were also given the opportunity for their respective villages to set up one stall each.
Altogether, 38 stalls were set up for the occasion, displaying a variety of items including fresh flower plants, handicrafts, pickles, vegetables, bakery items, eateries, eri silk products and other locally made products.
