MLA and Advisor Hekani Jakhalu addressing the first General Conference at Mokokchung Town Hall on May 30. (Morung Photo)
CNWA hosts first general conference in Mokokchung
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 30
The Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA) held its first General Conference on Friday at the Mokokchung Town Hall, under the theme “Raising Together Towards Progress.” The landmark event brought together more than 800 women leaders, community representatives, and dignitaries from across the state, belonging to the Ao, Lotha, and Sumi tribes.
The conference was graced by Hekani Jakhalu, MLA and Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, as the special guest.
In her address, Jakhalu emphasised the importance of unity, equality, and progress—the core values inscribed in CNWA’s logo. Touching on the theme of equality, she reflected on her historic election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and acknowledged that her success was not an isolated victory but the result of decades of sacrifice and perseverance by women across the state. “We have broken the glass ceiling,” she declared. “Not because of our individual merit alone, but because of the countless prayers, support, and sacrifices of mothers and grandmothers before us.”
Jakhalu emphasised that representation is not enough. “The bigger challenge,” she said, “is what we do now that we are here.” She stressed that women are not seeking to replace men in leadership but to walk alongside them for the collective good of society. “We are not here to upstage your power… we are here to support you,” she told the audience.
Highlighting the role of unity, she lamented the factionalism and division prevalent in society, including within churches, organizations, and political groups. Jakhalu called on women to rise above blame games and use their inherent emotional intelligence, empathy, and influence to bring about reconciliation and unity.
“Today, we are witnessing a deeply fragmented Naga society,” she said. “Everywhere we look—be it civil society, politics, or even religious institutions—we see division. But women have a unique role to play in healing and uniting our people. We are peacemakers, nurturers, and builders of consensus.”
Drawing from Biblical archetypes, Jakhalu offered a metaphor for the choices women face in positions of influence. “We can choose to be like Esther, who used her voice to save her people—or like Jezebel, who used her power to destroy,” she warned. “The power is in our hands.”
She also called for a shift in focus toward the future, underlining that true progress lies in how societies invest in their children. “Our greatest assets are not our land, our money, or our titles—they are our children,” she said. “Let us raise them with strong values, with courage and wisdom, so they may carry forward the torch of unity and progress.”
Jakhalu concluded by affirming her support for the CNWA and encouraging continued solidarity among women to build a more just, inclusive, and unified society.
The conference featured a welcome address by CNWA Information & Publicity Secretary Angelina Ngullie, a presidential speech by CNWA President K Atoli Sema highlighting the journey of the association since its establishment in 2022, and greetings from leaders of prominent organizations including Watsü Mungdang, Ao Senden, and the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC). A special song by Watsü Mungdang and the induction of new CNWA office bearers were also part of the proceedings, with Dr Anungla Aier as the President and Lily Sumi as the General Secretary leading the office bearers for the 2025–2028 tenure.
