Kohima, Jan. 31 : They are out to buck the trend in the male-controlled Naga
society where women are still considered weak and, hence, undeserving
of a place in the decision-making bodies despite the rhetoric of
empowerment.
So far, not a single woman has graced the Nagaland Assembly even though some women had contested the elections. Rano Shaiza represented Nagaland as Lok Sabha member some 30 years back.
While some neighbouring
northeastern states like Tripura has reserved 50 per cent seats for
women in panchayats, Nagaland Assembly had resolved to reject the 33 per
cent reservation for women in town councils and municipal councils
stating that such quota would infringe upon Naga customary and
traditional practices. The male-dominated Naga organisations have even
warned women of dire consequences if they claimed reservation.
Today, deeply hurt by the dogmatic male-dominated society, two Naga women ' M. Rakhila Lakhiumong and Khegholi Sumi ' have come out to contest in the February 23 election.
Rakhila will contest as BJP
candidate from Tuensang Sadar-II while Congress candidate Khegholi is
pitted against Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi of Naga Peoples' Front
(NPF) and an Independent candidate, Jacob Zhimomi. Wife of former
minister Hekiye Sumi, Khegholi said if elected she would fight for the
rights of women.
Rakhila, who is likely to be
caught in a multi-corner contest, said she had decided to contest to
voice the rights of Naga women.
"We have been discriminated against for too long and I want to fight for our rights," she said.
Rakhila, widow of former minister
A. Lakhiumong, said Naga women should be equally represented in all
decision-making bodies so that the state could progress. She narrowly
lost in 2008 as NCP candidate to then Congress candidate Kejong Chang.
"Why should we not be represented
in the state Assembly?" she asked. She called upon Naga women to come
out of their traditional cocoon and fight for their rights.
Sixty-one year-old Rakhila said
Naga males wanted women to be confined to their kitchens and that is why
the Assembly had even resolved not to implement 33 per cent
reservation. "A time will come to implement the reservation in
Nagaland," she said. "I earnestly appeal to all to support me," she
said. Her second priority would be to work for educated unemployed
youths of her constituency and Nagas in general.