Women's Studies Centre (WSC), Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema celebrated International Women's Day at the Ladies Common Room, Nagaland University, Meriema on 7 March 2025.

Keeping in line with the UN theme "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." And the 2025 campaign theme 'Accelerate Action' the event was organised with the intent of bringing greater awareness to gender inclusion and gender parity. 

Professor from Department of Education, Nagaland University, Buno Zetsuvi delivering her message said International Women's Day is a day to recognize how far we have come towards gender equality and also how far we have left to go. She also said that International Women's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the compounded challenges faced by women all over the world and join voices with people around the world and to let people know that women's rights are human rights. 

Buno said that the traditional Naga society followed the patriarchal system and was dominated with male population, having more privileges, culturally, socially, economically, and politically. Buno added that earlier only the male had the authority to decide on all major and important aspects and activities of the society. However, today, the modern Naga woman has more privileges more freedom and liberty she said.

Buno went on to say that now Naga women are more educated, knowledgeable, and even heads government offices, institutions, leaders in many organizations, and politically active and her role in contributing to all spheres of development cannot be underestimated. She however said that there are still a number of challenges and issues relating to social, cultural, economic, and political empowerment that needs to be addressed.

Buno hopes for a paradigm shift towards gender equality starting from the campus and this trend will be a stepping stone to better equality and a better future in our society.

The Resource Person of the event, State Mission Coordinator, State Hub for Empowerment of Women-Mission Shakti, Gracy Ayee sharing her thoughts said international women's day is not just to celebrate the achievement, but it is also the right platform to reflect about the different discriminations, the biases, the stereotypes women faces because of our gender, because we are women.

Stressing on the objective of United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal, Ayee appealed to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls and to ensure women's full potential, where women should be given equal opportunities for leadership at all level of decision-making, political, economic and social and public life.

Ayee emphasised strongly on enhancing the use of technology to promote empowerment of women. She also encouraged men to be part of women’s progress and also extend all possible help to distress women.

Also highlighting about digitalization, Ayee said with digital empowerment, more women are being affected and many women are victims of cybercrime and bullying. She added that with new challenges women's issues only seem to be increasing.

Ayee in conclusion said that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a just and progressive society.

Exhorting the gathering, Associate Professor, Department of Tenyidie, Dr. Petekhrienuo Sorhie remarked that this year's theme calls for accelerated action towards unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities for women and girls where no one is left behind. She said that Naga women today are evolving, redefining their presence in various ways, overcoming all traditional constraints and seizing opportunities and possibilities. She also highlighted the vision of the sustainable development goals and emphasised the importance of equity in present contexts.

Director incharge of Women Study Center, Dr. Khotole Khieya calls for a collective action for gender equality and to address the barriers that women faces. She also says the event is a celebration of achievements, contributions and progress of women all over the world.

The other highlights of the event included a special number presented by W.Pongle and friends while the event was attended by teaching faculty staffs, students and PHD scholars.

 

(Esuihangle IA)