The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) celebrated International Women’s Day at Khuochiezie on March 10 with a day-long programme featuring traditional and cultural activities under the theme “Footsteps of Forefathers: Benefits.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony as the honoured guest, Kaisa Rio, wife of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said Angami women had remained exemplary in their daily lives and had played a vital role in preserving the community’s culture and traditions. She stressed that the rich cultural heritage and good practices of the forefathers must be passed on to the younger generation.
Rio observed that traditional Angami attire was distinctive and beautiful and added to the dignity of the people who wore it. She also highlighted the uniqueness of traditional food, noting that it was prepared from organic ingredients and was beneficial for health. Emphasising the need to safeguard such traditions, she urged the community to preserve them and ensure they were handed down to future generations. She also appreciated AWO for organising the programme and bringing the community together.
As part of the event, Myki Awards were presented in both individual and group categories.
The individual awardees were Asang Chang, Moala Imsong, Piholi Swunetho, Nokhovinu Tetso, Y. Mhalo Lotha, Vikuonuo Sachü and Zakietsono Jamir. In the group category, VIZE Self Help Group (SHG), Kazon Logwa SHG and the Peren Town Women Welfare Organization were honoured for their contributions to community development.
VIZE SHG, formed in 2008, was recognised for its dedicated social service, particularly its efforts in assisting the elderly and physically challenged with hygiene, household cleaning and collection of firewood.
Kazon Logwa SHG, established in 2016 under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), was acknowledged for maintaining strong financial discipline and undertaking livelihood initiatives such as piggery, farming and pickle-making, which have helped strengthen household incomes and inspire other women towards economic independence.
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The Peren Town Women Welfare Organization, established in 1959, was honoured for its long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment and community welfare. The organisation has been involved in sanitation drives, livelihood workshops and initiatives such as the Orchid Festival, while also promoting environmental awareness, entrepreneurship and tourism in the district.
The event also featured a best stall competition across different categories. In the original and traditional culinary category, Southern Angami Women Organisation (SAWO) secured the first position while Northern Angami Women Organisation (NAWO) finished second. In the modern and improvised culinary category, NAWO and SAWO jointly secured the first position.
In the fruit juice category, Western Angami Women Organisation (WAWO) won the first prize and SAWO secured the second prize. In the tea-making category, WAWO secured the first position while Chakhesang Women Organisation (CWO) finished second. The inaugural ceremony was graced by minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse as the special guest.
The programme featured traditional culinary preparations, weaving demonstrations and stalls displaying and selling traditional items.
The event was compered by Vizosienuo Shüya while prayer was pronounced by UBC associate pastor Nino Phizo. Greetings were delivered by AWO president Neithono R. Sothu.
Special numbers were presented by Neila Thaprü and Licheü Khutso. Exhortations on rice pounding were delivered by Kedisenuo Keditsu of NAWO and Visebiü Gwirie of WAWO, while exhortations on weaving were presented by Dievilhoutuonuo Nakro of CWO and Kevisele Sophie of SAWO. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Vilaseno Zao.
