International women's day 2022 was celebrated at Japfu Christian College, Kigwema with President, Nagaland Women Voluntary Association, Kaisa Rio as the guest speaker. The program was organized by Nagaland State Commission for Women in collaboration with State Resource Centre for Women, Department of Social welfare, and Japfü Christian College.

Speaking on the occasion, Kaisa Rio said ’Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ is the United Nation's theme for International Women’s Day 2022 where she said climate crisis and gender inequality are two issues at the core of the UN Sustainable Goals. Figures indicate that 80% of the people displaced by climate change disasters are women 70% of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty are women, the issues are intertwined, and global sustainable and gender equality efforts must go hand and hand.

She said studies had shown that women outperform men in terms of productivity and endurance, and even in our small state girls have been repeatedly outperforming boys in scholastic exams for several years. She encouraged women to work twice as hard to achieve the desired goals. She said gender equality must be promoted in our towns, villages, churches, and homes. It is not only a fundamental human right but a prerequisite to building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society.

During the occasion the following personalities were awarded NSCW Awards for the year 2022 for their exemplary work and the services rendered in different fields; Zhonelü Tunyi from Kikhüma Village Kevinourheno Seyie, Yomah Konyak, Imdanglemla Aier, and L. Dorothy Chang.

Earlier, a greeting message was given by Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, Social Welfare; keynote address was delivered by Khrienuo Tachü, Chairperson, Nagaland State Commission for Women. Principal and Team, Japfü Christian College presented 'The Defining Movement' (Pink Zebra) while Addl. Secretary Social Welfare Department & Secretary NSCW, Bodeno S. Colo chaired the function.

(Shahlong IA Jakhama)