By making Naga communes more inclusive, dependence on the State would be reduced, ushering in an era where women (and men) shape the sovereignty that Naga people have aspired for
In October 2005, the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government at the helm of affairs turned down a proposal for setting up of a Nagaland State Women’s Commission. In a letter to the editor of The Morung Express, a local daily, a reader felt ‘necessitated’ to thank the DAN government. ‘…such a Commission is highly necessary only in a Hindu society (or a Muslim society sometimes)… the equality and uniformity that is found in Nagaland has nothing to do with the caste system/Hindu culture or other systems which discriminate against women and other weaker sections of the society’.
Nevertheless, the State Women’s Commission was set up in 2007 with considerable effort by the women of Nagaland. Though it continues to be ignored by the State machinery at large, the Commission has organized gender sensitization programs in all the districts of Nagaland as well as in several colleges, took up institutionalized documentation of the political, economic and social status of women in Naga society, and also got women to start speaking up, or take action against domestic violence—a not so rare occurrence that is tolerated in the name of peace and unity of the family.
But none of this has amounted to much as a decade later, men are still repeating the mantra of imagined equality, using the same old traditional and customary laws crutch.
Looking Beyond the Indian State
In a situation where standing up for gender justice amounts to getting hounded and humiliated, there are little avenues of protest open to Naga women.
Bu hikaye Eclectic Northeast dergisinin March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Eclectic Northeast dergisinin March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Time For Home Improvement!
Here are some home improvement projects that even absolute beginners will get right
Take the Unexplored Path
If you are looking for an underrated destination to explore this year, plan a trip to the charming town of Likabali
The Lotus Blooms Again
The Congress-led grand alliance bites dust in Assam as BJP retains power again in 2021
Painting Heritage
An up-and-coming artist from Nagaland wants to share his culture and heritage through works of art
MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS
People often ask me about my life out of uniform. Honestly, I have had no problems. Not so far. Instead, I find it quite refreshing. No routine, no parades, no briefing, no impending operations. Having donned the uniform since the age of thirteen until I hung up my boots last year, could I ever visualize life out of uniform? Not really. But, as I said, the transition has been quite smooth–no hang-overs, no regrets. People have been very positive in their interactions. Government departments have been responsive whenever I have approached for assistance.The genuine respect for the uniform is quite evident and it makes my heart swell with pride. Arunachal, to that extent, is the most nationalistic state in the country, I daresay. It has been kind of a revelation for me to experience the freedom of being a common man in an environment of positivity!
TAKING DAAKOR BOSON TO THE WORLD
Two artists are using visually appealing artwork to spark conversations about Assam, and the region
Thinking Green
It is time we work towards adopting a zero-waste lifestyle in order to help the planet
Musings of a Soldier The Beginning of a Journey
I don’t precisely remember how I joined Ramakrishna Mission School (RKMS), Aalo in 1966, but I do remember trudging 3 kms, one way, along with my elder sibling late Jarbom Gamlin – yes, the one who was in ‘politics’ and became the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in 2011 - to attend school. I was born with six toes in my right leg – so, could never wear a pair of shoes until I got the extra toe surgically removed in January 1974 for my entry to Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun (which I have spoken about in my previous ‘piece’), and perforce, I used to wear slippers to school.
Summer Playlist
We have some summer song recommendations that you can include in your playlist
Stay Calm and Eat Pizza
Guwahati has an awesome new place where you can indulge in wood fire pizzas