Women's role stressed at SDWA general conference
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, November 17 2024: Water Resources, Relief & Disaster Management minister Awangbow Newmai inaugurated the 3rd General Conference of the Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA) at the SDWA Multi-purpose Hall, here on Saturday.

The event; held under the theme "Women of Optimism", was attended by Karong MLA J Kumo Sha, as the chief host.

In his address, minister Newmai underscored the indispensable role of women in society, highlighting their unique strengths and contributions.

He remarked that women often excel in areas where men face limitations, citing examples from history and contemporary times, including the pivotal role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Referring to traditional Naga practices, he noted that women historically achieved resolutions where men could not, emphasising their enduring influence in shaping society.

The minister further stressed the importance of empowering women through education, describing higher education for girls as a "stepping stone" to safety and broader societal progress.

He called for collective action to address issues impacting women and encouraged dialogue among women for common growth and development.

MLA Kumo Sha, in his speech, expressed satisfaction at witnessing the growing assertion of women's rights and voices in contemporary society.

He contrasted this progress with earlier times when women's opinions were often excluded from decision-making.

Acknowledging the significant strides made by women; he emphasised the critical need for their perspectives in shaping a balanced and equitable society.

Gangmei Ganguilu, joint secretary Social Welfare, spoke as the resource person for the event.

Expounding on the theme, she described optimism as a crucial tool for navigating societal barriers, personal challenges, and professional obstacles.

She asserted that optimism empowers individuals to envision a brighter future, foster resilience, and fuel determination to overcome barriers.

Ganguilu emphasised the need for education and advocacy to ensure greater representation of women in decision-making processes, positioning gender equity as central to policymaking.

The resource person emphasised the critical role of educating girls for all round development, while also stressing the necessity of advocating for increased representation of women in higher decision-making roles and.

integrating gender considerations into the core of policymaking.

She appealed to the present and future generations to draw inspiration from exemplary women of the past, harnessing optimism to create a more inclusive and progressive society.

Optimism, she noted, serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, guiding communities towards equality and development.

The Senapati District Women s Association, founded in 1994, comprises women from the indigenous tribes of Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal, and Zeliangrong.

Established to combat injustice and atrocities meted out to women folks and to innocent civilians by armed personnel, the association has been instrumental in empowering women across the district.

Over the years, women in the district have excelled in diverse fields as bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, pilot, educationists, and sportspersons.

The organisation also prioritises girl-child education as a cornerstone of holistic development and continues to lobby for greater representation of women in policy-making and leadership roles.

During the event, SDWA president RN Hannah, delivered the welcome address and led a special prayer in remembrance of the association's first president, who recently passed away.

Greetings were also extended by representatives of the Naga Women's Union.

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