Our Correspondent
Senapati, Dec 8: On attaining 25 years of its existence, the Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has celebrated its silver jubilee under the theme, “Towards Maturity” at Katomei village, Senapati.
The programme was hosted by the Katomlui while the flag hoisting was done by Veronica Zingkhai, Convenor of the Naga Women’s Union.
SK Tabitha, vice president, NWU led in paying tributes to the departed leaders of the Union by observing 2 minutes silent prayer. Kanga Regina, president, Maram Women Union welcomed the gathering and asked the delegates to feel at home during the 3 days stay.
Veronica Zingkhai stated that NWU was formed in 1994 to promote the women of the region and to be instrumental in building a strong Nation in future under one platform.
With military might present in the land, the convenor stated that the formation was done to fight for justice to let peace prevail in the region.
Mentioning that Dr Gina Shangkham was the first president of the Union, the convenor lauded the former leaders for their contribution to the union.
The convenor also urged all to stand united for a progressive future.
Ruth Kasar, former Councillor, El Shaddai in her speech said that many had shed tears, struggled and sweated for the union to proceed this far.
She also urged all to follow the foot steps of the influential women who have changed the world.
Saying that one fearing God and hating sin will surely play a pivotal role in developing a society, she urged all to unite to make the world a better place to live.
In her presidential speech on the inauguration of Handicraft exhibition, Asha Wungnam, president NWU expressed gratitude to God for nurturing and sustaining the union for many years.
She stated that through God’s guidance, the NWU has become a matured organization, championing the rights of women and of the society at large.
With profound gratitude and respect, she asserted that they remember the founders and frontrunners of the union by acknowledging their commitment, commendable services and contribution to the union.
With the unflinching support of the predecessors and constituent units, she said that the NWU has through thick and thin, striven for the upliftment of women, their rights and dignity and in upholding human rights at large with the vision for a “Just, Peaceful and Sustainable Society.”
As they celebrate its jubilee, the president appealed all the members of the union to renew their pledge and continue to render services spiritedly and effectively for the welfare of all.
Speaking as the chief guest, TA & Hills Minister, N Kayisii said that the society is progressing fast from strength to strength.
Women right from the beginning of human civilization had been a great force in moulding and shaping the very fabric of a society with her counterparts. It is through women that human generations have been sustained since the beginning of human race and a human home is made through her, the Minister stated and appealed all to join hands for a progressive and a better future for one and all.
Soso Shaiza, member, National Women Commission of India who was also the chief patron for the celebration mentioned that the commission looked after the rights of the women.
She also stated that the world wants to set "violence-free home" by 2020.
She also said that time has come for all women to wake up and realise their rights and responsibilities as a woman.
She also spoke on the need to ensure women participation in the decision making body as the strength of a Nation can only be seen at the status of women.
In this regard, the Member questioned why the seat reservation system is not implemented to the hills areas of the State when the valley has 33% reservation for women in decision-making body.
To make the society proceed toward a better future empowering the women is very much required, she added.
N Kayisii opened the Handicraft exhibition set up by the different tribes under NWU.
Several units of NWU including NSWO, Liangmei, Inpui, Monsang, Maram, Mao, Tarao, Thangal, Poumai, Tangkhul, Anal, Maring, Aimol, NWU, Chandel, Mayon, Chothe, Lamkang, Khoibu, Rongmei, Chiru, Kharam and Zeme are attending the silver Jubilee celebration which will continue till December 9.