Dimapur, March 12: North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” on March 8 at Peace Centre, Chümoukedima, Nagaland.
James Quinker (MSW 2nd Semester) spoke on the significance of why International Women’s Day is celebrated every year. He shared that there has been prevalence in the breakthrough of stigmas and barriers in various fields-globally, nationally, in states and in society by citing the examples of some great women leaders around the world.
Likewise, he urged the women not to be bound by social stigmas but to be strong and capable as they are a beautiful creation of God. He also stated that NEISSR has many success stories of women progressing in academic fields and also each year the institute has been producing professional social workers who are mostly women.
Elizabeth Pojar (Assistant Professor, NEISSR) stated that as a society people are conditioned to think that certain gender fit into certain roles, certain people can or cannot do certain things. She noted that woman is the only gender whose gender is defining their profession. “We need to move from the fact that our gender defines us and let what we do define us in order to achieve gender equality,” she added.
She also touched upon the theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” stating that technology has a huge role in women’s life as technology is the hotspot for creating awareness, digital skills and networking. The world has seen women using digital space as a platform for creating and spreading awareness by speaking about sexual violence and abuse which is encouraging and helping women and girls to protect their rights and also address gender based violence.
She also stated that women are excelling in all aspects of life however women lack digital skills as women hold just 22% of positions in artificial intelligence and therefore she urged that women should equip the digital skills and also pursue career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as by 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to STEM areas. This will help in bridging the disparity or gap between the genders, she said.
She concluded by stating that women do not only want flowers, chocolates, gifts or Women’s day discount but women also need to be heard, seen and understood.
The program was attended by the students, faculty and the management of NEISSR.
(Page News Service)
