AN EMERGING VIEW OF THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN NAGA SOCIETY.

Tiakumla Jamir

Naga society like all other societies is in a transition. From a society that was steeped in
customs like head hunting, taboos and superstitions, ignorance, etc, our society has evolved and
transformed to a large extent. Naga society is a tribal society which basically follows a patriarchal
system. In the past, women were generally bound by a host of social taboos and restrictions,
which greatly curtailed this participation in the family and society.
But we find that a lot has changed in the way women have evolved themselves as well as
the way society looks at them. In the last two decade or so, there has been a marked
transformation in the status of women have transformed and evolved. Nowadays, women are not
viewed and considered as mere entities of procreation in the society.
It has been a long and arduous journey for women to be considered as equals with men. In
today’s scenario, we find that women are considered as equal partners and given the due respect
and status in many areas ,whether it is in the sphere of a particular family setup or in the larger
area of social interactions.
This transformation in the status of women in Naga society can be attributed to certain
factors:
1. Religion - Nagaland is a Christian dominated state. The fact that Christianity believes in the
equality of men and women and demands equal participation of all in its religious practices and
activities has greatly changed the way women are viewed in society. The Church has no room for
discrimination and segregation as far as men and women are concerned. This has greatly dispelled
and destroyed a lot of discriminatory and segregatory notions that were rampant in past
traditional society. The Church provides ample opportunities for women’s participation in religious
activities, social concerns and organisational leadership.
2. Education-Education always plays a liberating role in the way women are viewed. The female
literacy rate in Nagaland today stands at an impressive 62%. Today, we find that educational
opportunities are equally accessible to both boys and girls. No discrimination as such exists as far
as providing education to children is concerned. Women have achieved great strides in various
fields. We have women who are top bureaucrats, engineers, doctors and other professionals. The
notion of working professional women is a very common feature in Naga society. This trend is not
confined only in the govt. sector but a lot of women are active and successful self- employed
entrepreneurs. This signifies the immense empowerment of women not only in their professional
sphere but also greatly increases their influence within the family and society.
3. Liberating agencies for women-There are a number of agencies and associations in Nagaland
which play a very important role in improving the lot of women. Mention can be made of the Naga
Mothers ‘ Association (NMA) which is the frontal body for women, playing a very active role
safeguarding the rights and needs of women. It takes up women’s issues and has always been at
the forefront of women’s rights and protection. Besides the NMA, there are also many women’s
organisations representing different tribes each playing a very active role in their own tribal
community. These organisations are very influential and are playing a commendable role in the
upliftment of the status of women in the society.

Contd. 2/-

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CHALLENGES FACING THE NAGA WOMEN TODAY.

All is not satisfactory as far as the status and position of women is concerned. Inspite of
the strides achieved so far, there is no denying the fact that a lot remains to be changed. One
major challenge is the fact that women representation in politics is yet to take place.
There are women who are actively involved in politics, but we are yet to see any women
politician of standing. We are yet to have an elected woman representative in the State Legislative
Assembly. Even in the Municipal Councils and Town Committees we find that women are yet to
play an active role. These forms of non-representation and non-participation may be due to the
apathy of the women folk or due to the lack of opportunity or support of the society. Whatever
may be the reasons, it is highly important that women begin to realise that it is important for them
to be involved in the decision making platforms. Some other challenges is the fact that some of
the customary laws which binds the Naga society are discriminatory in nature. We are yet to see
inheritance laws which include the rights of the daughters. No doubt there are many instances
where the daughters are given a share of the father’s property, but these are exceptions mainly
seen in the urban, educated and enlightened families. Further, in the villages women are not
allowed or invited to take part in the Village Council meetings. All decisions are taken by the male
members only. Women are yet to be given due recognition as far as the right to participate in such
meetings are concerned. These kinds of discriminations invariably act as an obstacle to the
contributions that women can make towards the progress of society.
In conclusion, it is fair to say that women in Naga society have come a long way. They
have achieved a lot in various fields. They have not only made a difference in their own individual
lives but have made great contributions to the progress and advancement of the society. It is an
accepted fact that a society cannot progress unless both men and women contribute towards its
advancement. Though much remains to be changed and achieved, the path that Naga women
have taken to be educated, self-reliant, strong and socially responsible will go a long way to
further improve the status of Naga women in society.