Guwahati: Nagaland’s Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, C. L. John on Saturday, March 7 urged for stronger collective efforts to address gender-based violence and unequal opportunities.
He said such issues continue to remain major barriers to women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the state-level celebration of International Women’s Day in Kohima under the theme “Rights, Justice, Actions: For All Women and Girls,” the minister said the occasion is not only about celebration.
Instead, it is also a moment to recognise the sacrifices, struggles and achievements of women across every sphere of life.
The programme was organised by the Department of Social Welfare Nagaland in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Women, the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the Directorate of Women Resource Development Nagaland and the Kohima Municipal Council.
During his address, John highlighted the significant role played by Naga women in shaping society. He described them as the backbone of families, villages and communities.
He said women continue to contribute tirelessly to the development of the state. From agricultural fields to marketplaces and from classrooms to hospitals, they have remained active participants in every sector of society.
The minister also noted encouraging progress in women’s participation in governance and leadership. At present, he said, Nagaland has two women members in the state assembly and one representative in the Rajya Sabha.
John also recalled the contributions of pioneer leader Rano M. Shaiza. He said her leadership as the first woman Member of Parliament from the state paved the way for future generations of women leaders.
At the same time, the minister stressed that society must urgently address issues related to gender-based violence. He said such acts are serious violations of human rights and major obstacles to achieving gender equality.
He also urged communities to create an environment where every girl child in Nagaland can grow with confidence, dignity and equal opportunities.
Advisor for Social Welfare Wangpang Konyak, in his address, said the theme of the 2026 celebration calls for concrete steps to advance women’s rights. He added that it also emphasises the need to remove barriers that hinder women’s progress.
Konyak noted that the Nagaland State Commission for Women has been actively promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality by engaging with institutions and stakeholders since its inception.
He also highlighted that the commission introduced the NSCW Awards in 2021 to recognise women achievers who have made significant contributions to the upliftment and empowerment of women in Nagaland. The awards aim to acknowledge excellence, inspire younger generations and promote gender equality across various sectors.
While noting that Nagaland has often been cited as one of the safest states for women according to the National Crime Records Bureau, Konyak acknowledged that crimes against women and girls have been increasing in recent years.
He therefore called on society to confront the reality of violence. At the same time, he urged people to encourage the involvement of men and boys and work collectively to end gender-based violence.
Delivering the keynote address, Social Welfare Secretary Limawabang Jamir said that the One Stop Centre in the state has handled more than 1,800 cases related to violence against women since 2016. However, he noted that many cases still remain underreported due to stigma and a lack of support systems.
He also highlighted several initiatives under the Mission Shakti scheme aimed at ensuring women’s safety, security and empowerment.
The programme also featured the felicitation of Self Help Group achievers under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission. In addition, municipal and Anganwadi workers were honoured for their service, while the NSCW Achievers Awards were presented to women who have made significant contributions to society.