Some of the participants of the NEN IWD event on March 8.
Dimapur, March 9 (MExN): North East Network (NEN) Nagaland marked International Women’s Day on March 8 under the theme ‘Giving Voice, Gaining Justice: Breaking Barriers for All Women and Girls,’ bringing together over 234 women leaders from Chizami, Chumoukedima, Kohima, Dimapur and Shamator.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Nenterprise and SEWA, featured discussions, panel sessions and skill-building activities focused on women’s rights, leadership and addressing social barriers faced by women and girls.
Advocate Neiteo Koza, advocate at the Gauhati High Court and member of the NEN Governing Body, spoke on constitutional rights and legal protections available to women. “There is no distinction between man and woman in the eyes of law,” she said.
Koza spoke on fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including equality before the law, the right to life and personal liberty, freedom of expression, the right to education, protection against forced labour and safeguards for cultural rights. She also addressed domestic violence, stating that abuse is not limited to physical and sexual forms but includes emotional and psychological violence.
She further urged participants to examine the social factors that allow violence and discrimination to persist.
Seno Tsuhah, Chairperson of Nenterprise and a member of the NEN General Body, spoke on activism and feminism, describing feminism as a movement that challenges unequal structures and seeks justice, equality and dignity for women.
“Activism should be bold, and it should be from within,” she said, adding that collective action is necessary to address social issues and promote justice and dignity for all. Tsuhah also encouraged participants to remain committed to speaking up for justice even when it may face resistance from family members, community leaders or church authorities.
Alemla Longchar, Consultant (NGO), spoke on the relationship between faith, justice and equality in church spaces. Referring to Genesis 1:28, she spoke on the role of women in faith communities and cited biblical figures such as Miriam, Esther and the Samaritan woman as examples of courage and leadership.
She called on churches to act as agents of social transformation and urged believers to remain committed to advancing justice within both society and faith communities.
Across the participating districts, women took part in discussions on rights, resilience and leadership. Participants also shared experiences and discussed issues affecting women and girls in their communities.
According to NEN, the observance aimed to strengthen awareness on rights, encourage leadership among women and promote collective action in addressing discrimination and violence. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of women and girls in Nagaland.
