The Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA) successfully held its 1st General Conference on May 30, 2025, at Town Hall, Mokokchung, under the theme “Raising together towards Progress.” The event brought together women leaders and representatives from the three tribal communities across Central Nagaland (Ao, Sumi, Lotha), with a vision to strengthen unity and empower women through shared values of equality and progress.
The conference was graced by Hekani Jakhalu Kense, MLA and Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, as the Special Guest.
Hekani Jakhalu Kense in her address on the theme of equality, she expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all sections of women in Naga society who have shown sincere support for women empowerment. She highlighted how society is now taking new steps to bring women to the forefront in all spheres—especially in the political scenario—breaking free from a past dominated by men in major decision-making roles. Speaking personally, she shared how, as a woman, she once felt inferior and had experienced societal limitations firsthand. However, she acknowledged that today the Naga society is uplifting women to positions of significance and leadership, enabling them to support men in every right aspect, thus ensuring that equality is served. Jakhalu emphasized that this moment marks a new beginning—a greater change that is on the horizon. She stated, “I feel I achieved my goals as a woman to shatter the glassy path or barriers that kept women at bay.” She credited the society for enabling this transformation by enriching the status quo of women. She added that the wisdom of women can serve as a bridge of hope, allowing them to work hand-in-hand with men in all major decision-making roles within the society.
Turning to the topic of unity, she reminded the gathering of the roots upon which CNTC was founded—to stand for one another and to bring about unity and brotherhood among the Nagas as a whole. However, she lamented the present-day divisions that are visibly growing among Naga brothers and sisters. She pointed out that while many of us often engage in conversations expressing concern over such issues, we also tend to indulge in blame games, faulting others for the lack of unity. She noted with regret that many fail to reflect on their own mistakes, even in times when their role is crucial in building bonds of friendship and solidarity. Stressing the importance of political structure, she spoke on how having an opposition government in a democratic setup is vital to ensure checks and balances on any ruling authority. However, in the context of Nagaland, she referenced Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s belief that since Nagas are deeply divided—whether in the underground or overground spectrum—achieving political unity among elected representatives could, despite its limitations, offer a leap of hope for resolving the long-standing Naga political issue.
Addressing the womenfolk directly, Jakhalu encouraged them to take personal responsibility in their unique roles as women, stating, “God has also made women so differently and special—we have the power to convince, we have empathy, we have emotions, we think from our heart, we are more forgiving.” She drew a contrast with men, noting that men tend to dominate their own spheres of power and are often unwilling to let go of their wishes or will, which, in some situations, leads to wrong decisions. She observed that many struggles for power are largely witnessed among men, who frequently refuse to surrender their personal desires for the greater good. Drawing from her own experiences and observations, she emphasized the need for balanced and thoughtful decision-making.
To illustrate her point further, she cited examples of two contrasting women from the Bible: Esther and Jezebel. Esther, she explained, won the favor of a king and, with God-given wisdom, saved her people from destruction. On the contrary, Jezebel was portrayed as an evil woman—arrogant, selfish, sexually immoral, and an evil lover—who ultimately brought about her own ruin and the downfall of her kingdom. Jakhalu posed a reflective question to the women in attendance: Do we want to be women like Esther or like Jezebel? She urged everyone to emulate Esther—a woman of love, wisdom, and godliness—and reminded them that by embodying such virtues, Naga women can play a vital role in assisting their husbands and leaders in making wise and sound decisions that will strengthen the society collectively.
Speaking on the theme of progress, Jakhalu reflected on the current scenario of Naga society, particularly focusing on the reality that many of our youth, despite being educated and qualified, remain unemployed. She described this as a sad but undeniable truth. However, she lauded the people of Mokokchung for setting a remarkable example to the rest of the Nagas by preserving potential opportunities and uplifting their brothers and sisters. She expressed pride and admiration for their continued encouragement and mutual support. She called on everyone to teach their children the “dignity of labour,” stressing that unless children are taught this fundamental value, they will continue to overlook opportunities that are actually available all around. She emphasized that if one begins humbly, abundance will follow later in life.
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In her concluding remarks, Jakhalu encouraged every mother present at the event to be a mother of prayer and faith, and to continue the struggle for a better home, a better society, and a better world. She reminded them to always put God at the center of their lives and families, believing that with faith and unity, Nagas can walk together toward a future that is empowered, united, and progressive.
Thungbeni Lotha, President of LEH, Wokha, conducted the induction of new office bearers, marking a new chapter in CNWA’s journey. Meanwhile, a new team of CNWA office bearers for tenure 2025-2028 was installed. The new team includes Dr.Anungla Aier (President), Zujano Patton (V/President), Mughaholi A Chopi (V/President), Lily Sumi (G/Secretary), N Chumchanbeni Odyno (Jt. Secy.), Lily Longchar (Jt. Secy.), Angelina Ngullie (Finance Secy.), Sashisongla (Cultural Secy.) Nitoli Sema (I&P Secy.), and Jennifer T Awomi (Treasurer).
A prayer was offered by a pastor from MTBA, and short speeches were delivered by both the outgoing and incoming presidents of CNWA.
Khondao Ngully, President of the CNTC, exhorted the gathering on the importance of women-led community building. Welcome note and presentation was delivered by Angelina Ngullie, Information & Publicity Secretary of CNWA . Delivering the Presidential Address, CNWA President K. Atoli Sema underscored the need for collective efforts among Naga women to bring about meaningful change in society. She highlighted CNWA’s objectives since its inception in 2022 and called for cooperation across tribal lines.
Greetings were delivered by the Presidents of Watsü Mungdang and Ao Senden. A special song presented by Watsü Mungdang.
The program began with Tsuktirenla Ao, Vice President of CNWA, chairing the session.The program also included report from Zujano Patton, General Secretary of CNWA, and a finance report by Merenlemla Mollier, Finance Secretary of CNWA.
The Cultural Extravaganza session, chaired by Aienla Yapang, Joint Secretary of CNWA, highlighted the cultural richness of Central Nagaland. Ghovili Achumi, Cultural Secretary of CNWA, spoke on the importance of culture in today’s society. Folk songs, dances, and traditional attire displays from Ao, Lotha, and Sumi communities were performed, each within their allocated 5-minute time slots, showcasing the vibrant heritage of the region.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Nzano Kikon, Vice President of CNWA, and the final benediction was offered by the Associate Pastor Women of MTBA.
