Break the antiquated mindset

Dimapur : Certain sections may claim that Naga women are at par with men in terms of competition in various vocational fields, but if one were to sincerely observe the ground reality, they are still far from being ‘accommodated’ by political welfare and decision-making bodies.

This was the statement made today by the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) who today urged that the 33% seat reservation for women be implemented in Nagaland.

The organization suggested that the bill be implemented at least even for a certain period of time.  Along with others, the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong had also attended the January 29 meeting convened by the All-Political Party Consultative Committee

“If we sincerely observe the status of Naga women, we can proudly say that women can compete with men in all the fields. In fact, there are many women IAS officers, NCS officers, doctor, engineers, lecturers, lawyers etc at par with the men” the KNSK stated in  a letter received here. 

However, the ground reality is far from what is being claimed as the organization’s letter explained. “But on the other hand in the forums like village council, town council, State Legislative Assembly and Parliament Naga women have not been accommodated till now (except one).
 

Are the women not interested to serve the public or are they not capable or fit to serve the public? The answer is definitely ‘No’. It is because of the social barrier” the KNSK stated.

‘Women quota is for decision-making’ The Konyak organization said, that in the Naga society there was a time when women did not participate in welfare and decision-making activities. “That century-old tradition and practices still remain in the mindset of our people; this mindset acts as a social barrier for women to come to the fore front of public life. Perhaps this social barrier might have prevailed in the other parts of the country and the world as well” the KNSK observed.

The organization advised all in concern that the 108th Constitution Amendment Bill (women Reservation) should actually have been used as a mechanism or a tool to break the curse of  social barriers  prevailing in the Naga society for the last many centuries. If timely and appropriate measures are not taken, the KNSK stated, this ‘mindset will prevail.

”Therefore, the KNSK feels that the 33 per cent women reservation bill should also be applied to the state of Nagaland for certain period of time (say, for 3 consecutive terms) and appeal to all the civil societies and political parties to take this reservation policy as accommodative and guiding approach for the half of the Naga population” the KNSK appealed.