Unlike many other communities, women in Naga society enjoy a fairly equal status in the society, or so it is perceived. However, contrary to all these observations of the ‘empowered’ status of women, the sex ratio in the state is not favourable towards women.
The impact of violence against women and the violation of their human rights in situations of violent conflict are being experienced in the state. These observations were made at the convention on human rights in special reference to the plight of women in conflict zones, held in Dimapur on Monday.
A paper presentation by the Naga Women Hoho at the convention said that women’s role in decision making is very minimal. And irrespective of their role in conflict situations, women are still discriminated, while instances of rape and domestic violence are on the rise, the paper said.
Against the backdrop of the situation prevailing in Nagaland, the Hoho pointed out a number of situations which need to be addressed in regard to women. Situations in which women relatives of armed activists are targeted by the state actors has increased the risks for women in situations of armed conflict.
Wives of armed forces personnel who have no choice but to be a part of armed conflict often remain forgotten because of circumstance, the Hoho said.
Another issue which was highlighted is the issue of women becoming armed combatants, not out of choice but through coercion. The presence of armed forces has increased the vulnerability of women in the state, leading to a number of complexities in the society. Healthcare facilities still elude a larger populace of women in the state and health hazards have become increasingly volatile.
For decades, the region, having various form of unrest conflict violence, the paper said, has only aggravated the problems for women. Due to lack of development, corruption and unemployment, Naga women have become victims of the world’s third largest organised crime of human trafficking. Dr. Dolma Bhutia, a human rights lawyer, said that the government has failed to check the credibility of commercial companies recruiting young people and this has in the process led to the problem. Dr. Bhutia added that the entire North East has become the source centre for traffickers. The issue of rehabilitating women victims of various situations is also being seen as a failure of the government.