The Department of Political Science and Institution’s Innovation Council, St. Joseph University (SJU), Chumukedima in Collaboration with Research and Information systems for developing Countries(RIS) and North Eastern Training Research and Advocacy Foundation(NETRA), hosted a talk on the Theme “Nari Shakti: From women development to women led development” on 30th September 2024 at the University auditorium. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Priyadarshi Dash, an Associate professor at Research and Information System for developing Countries (RIS) New Delhi. Dr. Dash appraised on the history of G20 countries initiatives and collective willingness to address the issues that women experiences in the society and how to put women at the centre of development. He emphasised the importance of addressing gender violence by reducing gender gaps in all spheres while also empowering women to take leadership position and recognizing women as critical stakeholders in decision –making. Professor Polly Vauquline, from the department of Women’s Studies, Guwahati University who delivered the special address spoke on“ Women’s Development to Women Led Development”. She opened her talk by exploring on the broader concept of development by pointing out that development normally covers three aspects of change; raising people’s living standard, creating conditions that can increase growth in self-esteem that promote human dignity and respect; and increasing people’s freedom to choose to achieve greater participation. Professor Vauquline further underscored the necessity of considering several elements in understanding gender/ women and development that includes equal distribution of resources(access to and control over resources), women active participation, women in decision making, power relations between men and women and division of labour. She argued that if development is not gender neutral, it will result in Mal-development which is non-inclusive or sustainable. By addressing the challenges of Women led-development, she shared on how to overcome the same.
The sessions were hosted by Ms. Sungjemmongla and Mr. Benjungnungsang, Asst.Professors. SJU. while Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah delivered the welcome and theme address. Highlighting the significance of the theme, she brought out the objectives of Women Led Development that aims to empower women through education, entrepreneurship and leadership training, by addressing discrimination and prejudices against women and fostering gender equality, and enabling them to take active roles in their communities. The programme also witnessed two more talks on “The Impact of Financial independence on Women lives” by Ms. Nengeithem Henga, Co-Founder of Runway India HM Pvt, Ltd. who spoke on the fundamentals of doing business; financial literacy and Financial discipline and “ The role of Banks, financial institutions and Government in promoting women entrepreneurs” delivered Ms. Isile Nza, Assistant Area Manager, Nagaland Moneywise Centre for financial Literacy, Nagaland. The programme concluded with a vote of gratitude by Limongi, Asst.Prof. The event was a followed up of G20 University connect.