Kohima | March 8 – Nagaland has long been a state grappling with deeply rooted patriarchal norms, making the journey for women in governance exceptionally challenging. However, a seismic shift is underway, proving that resilience and a commitment to inclusive growth can indeed rewrite the narrative of power. Today, we celebrate not just the ‘firsts,’ but the dawn of a new era for women in Nagaland’s political landscape.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Historic Year
March 2023 etched itself into Nagaland’s history books with the election of its first-ever women representatives to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly: Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu Kense. These trailblazers now hold crucial portfolios, with Kruse as Minister for Women Resource Development and Jakhalu Kense as Advisor for Industries & Commerce. This milestone followed another significant moment in March 2022, when S. Phangnon Konyak became the first woman from Nagaland to be elected as a Member of Rajya Sabha, and only the second woman from the state to enter either House of Parliament.
These achievements, however, were hard-won, navigating a labyrinth of social obstacles and a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset.
Confronting the Patriarchal Barrier
“In the context of Nagaland politics, patriarchal mindset has been the main barrier,” echoed Hekani Jakhalu Kense, articulating the struggles faced by countless women. Speaking to The Morung Express, she added, “Patriarchal mindset topped with misogynistic attitude always held women back.” She highlighted the pervasive ‘taboo’ surrounding women’s aspirations in electoral politics, despite her own fortunate experience of unwavering family support.
A Ripple Effect: Changing Tides at the Grassroots
The election of women legislators has begun to shatter this taboo, creating a visible ripple effect. The recent Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections saw an encouraging 37% women councillors, significantly exceeding the 33% reservation. Jakhalu Kense noted an “interesting trend” where “it were the men who were fully in the field supporting their wives, daughters and daughters-in-law,” signaling a crucial shift in societal attitudes.
Hekani Jakhalu Kense: From Youth Empowerment to Policy Making
Hekani Jakhalu Kense’s journey into politics was a natural evolution of her commitment to public service. After dedicating 16 years to YouthNet, an organization she founded to empower Nagaland’s youth, she realized the need for serious policy interventions. “With my experience, I felt I could contribute to the government in making programs and policies for our youth,” she shared. Beyond youth, a powerful motivation was to champion women’s rights, challenging the “silent acceptance that women are inferior to men.”
Balancing the pressures of a legislative role with family life is a testament to her strength. She credits her husband, Alezo, as a “solid rock” and an invaluable support system. “When you have a supportive husband, more than half your problem is solved,” she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of remaining balanced and rational. Her advice to future female leaders is practical: “start your financial planning, expand your network and connect with the grassroot.” Under her leadership, the Department of Industries & Commerce has already brought forth significant interventions, including the Nagaland Trade & Investment Policy and the Nagaland Startup Policy, aiming to build a robust ecosystem for local businesses.
S. Phangnon Konyak: The Call for Active Participation
S. Phangnon Konyak, a beacon of women’s representation in the Rajya Sabha, stresses the critical need for women to actively participate in politics. “We can’t blame other people, but we need to put ourselves out there,” she asserted. While government initiatives like the 33% reservation in ULB elections are vital, she underscores, “we need to project ourselves as candidates.”
Her own path was not without its trials. Despite years of dedicated work within the BJP, leading the BJP Mahila Morcha, her achievements were met with attempts to discredit her, especially after her election coincided with the sensitive Oting incident. Enduring social media trolls and unofficial endorsements of negativity from public leaders, she chose resilience. “By God’s grace, I focused on my work,” she stated, acknowledging her community’s strong support system. She reminds aspiring women leaders that challenges will come, but ultimately, “it depends on your performance.”
The Path Forward: Women Supporting Women
Both leaders champion a unified approach for progress. S. Phangnon Konyak strongly advocates for women to support other women. “We cannot always expect men to support us. We need to step out and get out of polarizing narrow thoughts.” She pointed out that sometimes women themselves can be more patriarchal and emphasized, “for society to progress, we need both men and women. Everyone needs to come together.”
The journey has just begun, moving from a time when women “can’t be in politics” to one where they “can be in politics.” Nagaland’s women leaders are not just filling roles; they are reshaping perceptions, inspiring a new generation, and proving that inclusive governance is the cornerstone of a progressive society.
Source: Original Article
