March 8, Kohima: Nagaland participated in the global observance of International Women's Day under the theme 'Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls.'
At a program held in Kohima on Saturday, Minister for Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Village Guards, C. L. John, stated that women in the state have always played a vital role in shaping society.
He said that Naga women contribute tirelessly to the progress of the state, from agricultural fields to marketplaces and from classrooms to hospitals.
While celebrating the achievements of women, the Minister also emphasized that challenges remain, and that issues such as gender-based violence and unequal access to opportunities must be addressed collectively by society.
Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak expressed concern that, although Nagaland is considered one of the safer states for women in India with a comparatively lower crime rate, cases of crimes against women and girls have shown an increase over the years.
Several awards were presented under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission for the financial year 2025-26 to mark the occasion.
In addition, the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Excellence Award 2025 was presented to Ponglem Konyak, President of Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong, and the NSCW 2026 award was given to Apeuna Iheilung, President of Zeliangrong Mothers' Organisation.
Municipal workers and Angawadi workers were also felicitated.
