Reform of customary laws stressed in workshop

Kohima: The Member of Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Asangla Cholong has said that despite perceptive change of situation of women in Naga society, it was observed that the result would be ‘superficial at best’ since the ‘core of gender discrimination lies at the very heart of customary laws’ which direct and govern Naga society even in the twenty-first century.
Addressing a consultative workshop on ‘Redefining Customary Laws From Gender Perspective’ at Dimapur yesterday Mrs. Cholong said it was imperative that redefining customary laws should begin from within the patriarchal setup, seen as custodians or guardians as the fundamental discrimination against women were enshrined in these very laws.
However, she maintained that that the customary laws should not be discarded since these serve their purposes of bringing some form of order and stability in society. On the other hand, she opined that in order for customary laws to truly serve a meaningful purpose in future, the possibilities of accommodating the interest of women should be inculcated.
Cholong stressed on the need among civil societies and different tribal societies at all levels , in creating awareness on gender equality and the ways and means to incorporate it. She also held the view that acceptance of women in Village Councils, Town Committee, Legislative Assembly including equal distribution of parental property to women, as two important factors required for ‘redefining’ of customary laws. Stating that lack of women participation in governance was not just a political, but also a social issue, she said throughout history no section of society diverse in class, culture and race transcending national boundaries have been more underrepresented in governance than women.
She spoke on the need to have women representatives in the Government as issues relating to women could be better addressed and policies adopted should be relevant. Cholong also said it was vital to educate and cultivate awareness on this ‘pathological problem’ so that change could be derived from within the society. She said only through education and awareness could rationality and commonsense prevail over old customs and prejudice that prevent modern society from progressing.
While stating that the Government can also play a vital role in ‘hastening’ the process, Cholong suggested that the government could enact and implement concrete laws that ensure and encourage women participation in governance. The workshop was organized by Women in Governance (Wing).
Those who spoke include– Linda Chhackchuak from Meghalaya, Grace Satshang from Manipur, Sana from Assam and Esther Aye from Nagaland. The programme was also attended by women leaders from Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur, lawyers and women activists. (UNI)