Women Resource Development, Nagaland held the MykiFest Award, 2020-21 on 8th March 2021, which coincide with the International Women's Day, at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
In her keynote address, Commissioner & Secretary, Anenla T. Sato, IAS, said that MykiFest was launched during 2018-19, and is an annual event initiated to celebrate the contribution of women as equal partners in the socio-economic development of the State. The productivity, initiative, and ingenuity of our Naga women are vast and ever-developing. However, much of it goes unnoticed in general, or ignored due to the inherent bias that still exists in a male-dominated society. Thus, she said that the MykiFest was conceptualized to provide an encouraging platform for a wide category of women to come together to interact, do business, exchange ideas, showcase their talents or to sell their innovative products, while endeavouring to popularize the event within and outside the State. Sato also said that women should strive hard to uplift the society and other women and that everything depends on the preparedness of a wise woman. She also said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department had to postpone and significantly downsize the festival, but felt that recognition had to be given where it was due. Hence, the MykiFest Awards was instituted to recognize and emphasize the activities of NGOs and other women groups who have been working towards the upliftment of women in the State.
Advisor, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, and Women Resource Development (WRD) Department, R. Khing, in his speech mentioned that the role of women in the present society has greatly changed for the better. Khing also said that they are more hardworking than men and women are the ones who are bringing progression in the State. He further mentioned that he wanted to see more of women participation in politics encouraged women to join politics. He asked the womenfolk to become the leaders of the Naga society and also called upon them to guide the youths for a better tomorrow.
The MykiFest award was divided into two categories;
In the group category the awards were presented to Runway Nagaland, Dimapur, North East Network, Nagaland, Apparels & Accessories Production Team, TLI Project, Department of Women Resource Development.
In the individual category, the awards were presented to Vimenuo Belho, home based entrepreneur from Kohima, Iboli Zhimo a self-taught artist who founded Listone Pebble Art at Thahekhu, Dimapur, Vikengunu Kera Fatima from Khuzama Village, Mezhüheno, a rural entrepreneur from Khonoma Village and Phaoniu Shio and upcoming painter from the Khiamniungan tribe.
Addl. Director & HoD, WRD, Vilone Sakhrie in his vote of thanks mentioned that the award is to target and acknowledge the lesser known people and would like to focus on such categories of entrepreneurs. He also said that MykiFest award will be held after every four years.
(Takumpula Longkumer, IA)
