Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio is demanding more women in decision-making roles. He addressed the 6th General Conference of the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) in Mon on October 30. Rio praised the group for its work on behalf of the marginalized. He labeled the organization “the voice of the voiceless and a beacon of hope for the marginalised.”
The state government recently approved an ENWO Resource Centre in Longleng. Rio told members to use this facility for skill training and community building. He believes diverse leadership strengthens governance. He cited the progress of the FNTA Bill 2026, which he claims brings a new era of opportunity to Eastern Nagaland.
Educational data shows women are gaining ground. The 2011 Census put Nagaland’s literacy at 79.55 percent, while the 2023-24 survey climbed to 95.7 percent. Girls outperformed boys in the 2026 HSLC exams with a 72.72 percent pass rate, taking 57 of the 80 top merit spots.
Nagaland currently leads the NITI Aayog SDG India Index for Gender Equality. Rio pointed to milestones like S. Phangnon Konyak becoming the first woman Rajya Sabha MP and the election of Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu as the state’s first female MLAs. During the last Urban Local Body elections, voters elected 102 of the 198 women candidates. Eight of those winners came from unreserved wards.
Mon Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak also spoke at the event. He advocated for equal access to education and entrepreneurship. The conference featured a flag ceremony, an anthem, and an invocation by Rev. A. Peihwang Wangsa. Attendees also toured exhibition stalls highlighting local products from eight tribal communities. Rio closed the session with a direct challenge to the attendees: “If women actively participate in choosing their leaders, they must also be encouraged to become leaders and help shape our society’s future.”
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