Kohima: Nagaland group Sisterhood Network took home the Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment on September 26. The ceremony happened at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in New Delhi. The group earned a Special Jury Award for two decades of work toward gender equality and economic security.
Dr. Alongla Aier, an emeritus English professor at Oriental Theological Seminary, founded the network in 2001. It now operates across 12 villages and multiple districts. The team focuses on livelihood restoration, skill training, legal literacy, and fighting gender-based violence. They also work to create gender-sensitive workplaces. Numbers count. Their programs helped 1,500 women gain economic autonomy. Training programs reached 310 girls, and education initiatives supported 600 children.
Infrastructure projects include the Nteuki community resource centre and 16 Meraki children’s clubs. They also installed female-friendly toilets to improve sexual and reproductive health awareness. The group partners with local authorities on human trafficking and previously managed the regional COVID-19 response. They track progress through participatory research on Sustainable Development Goals.
Competition was stiff. The Martha Farrell Foundation reviewed 139 individual nominations and 117 organization bids from all over India. Gangapriya Chakraverti, managing director of Ford Motor Company in India, presented the trophy to Director Azungla James. James viewed the prize as a major milestone for the group.
"This award is an affirmation that two decades of resilience and commitment to dignity, equity and empathy have not been in vain," James said. She noted that the honor provides fresh fuel to their mission of building safer, more equitable communities for women and children.
Updated at 29th September 2026 at 1:49pm
The ceremony marked the tenth anniversary of the Martha Farrell Awards. The group confirmed that their scope includes survivor support, leadership development, and capacity building. They also pushed for more women to have a seat at the table during village decision-making sessions.
Director Azungla James credited the win to the collective grind of her team and local supporters. She added that the trophy acts as a push to serve the community with even more responsibility.
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