The Watsü Mungdang, the apex women’s body of the Ao tribe, convened a consultative meeting in Alempang and Penli wards on 21st May 2024. These wards are among those allocated 33% reservation for women. The meeting was aimed to highlight the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections and emphasize the significance of the 33% reservation for women’s representation.
In Alempang ward, Maongtula, an advocate by profession and the only unopposed candidate, assured the gathering that she would not misuse the opportunity given to her.
Moangtula emphasized the significance of women being given opportunities, highlighting the importance of rising together with men to achieve progress.
“When women are given the opportunity we wanted and are standing here today because of the reservation with support from the male folks, let us not leave our men behind but rather rise together with them and unite to move forward together,” she stated.
Maongtula stressed the importance of showcasing the capabilities of women. “This is the time to show the world what we can do and are capable of,” she asserted. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she expressed her commitment to societal upliftment with a vision that includes people from all walks of life. As a daughter of Alempang ward and Mokokchung Town, she committed to work for the betterment of the community and urged the community to support her with their advice, wisdom, and prayers.
Walunila Jamir, an active NDPP party worker and prominent youth leader from Penli ward, shared her commitment to working truthfully if given the chance to serve. She highlighted the under-representation of women in decision-making roles, noting that women constitute only 24.3% of parliamentary seats globally and just 15% in the Indian Parliament. In the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, only two out of 60 MLAs are women, despite many women leading various organizations and taking part in decision making. She emphasized that in politics, women’s participation remains minimal.
Jamir pointed out that the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) election with women’s reservation marks a significant achievement towards gender equality. She shared her focus on women empowerment and community development, stressing that her goals could only be achieved with the cooperation and support of the Ward councils and residents.
Moasangla Pongen, a retired government servant and active church member, stated that if given the opportunity, she is ready to serve the people with faith, from the youngest to the oldest, by uniting together. She emphasized her willingness to advocate for the ward’s needs with higher officials, even beyond the state capital. Highlighting the many needs of the ward, such as good sanitation, electricity, drainage, and water, she pledged to represent her ward diligently and address every need if given the chance.
Mokokchung Town comprises of 18 wards, six of which are allocated the 33% reservation for women. Seven women candidates have confirmed their candidature from four of these wards (Marepkong, Sungkomen, Penli, Alempang). On 14th May 2024, two women candidates each from Marepkong Ward and Sungkomen Ward were confirmed.
Watsü Mungdang’s consultative meetings in the reserved wards aim to guide the candidates to be effective representatives for women, particularly Ao women. These meetings will continue in the remaining two reserved wards once candidatures are confirmed.
