Setting a benchmark towards the realisation of gender equality, the Village Council of Ringui (Tongou) in Ukhrul district in an unprecedented move formally decided to allow women in the village administration and institutions including the Church.

Delhi based Kharingpam Chahong, an Associate Professor at Jamia Millia University told The Sangai Express that this is a breakthrough in gender equality, a milestone in the history of the Nagas.

Accepting that there is discrimination against the Naga women in social institutions and traditional bodies, Chahong said "Women are not told to stay away from politics or village administrations but it exists in the form of ethics and code of conduct, where such bodies and institutions were considered exclusive for men.

This has been the accepted norm and practice".

While applauding the village elders and village authority in taking up such steps, Chahong said that the decision of the Ringui Village Assembly has paved the way for other villages to follow suit and expedite the process of reformation within the traditional tribal institution(s) .

During the village Assembly on January 13 [2015], the village councils and elders of Ringui (Tongou) village formally resolved to allow women of the village to be elected as members in the traditional village Court.

The council also resolved that the Church should not discriminate women by denying them their right to hold offices of the Church or become priest simply because of their gender.

The assembly resolved that the Church should henceforth open up the position of Deaconess and pastorship to women.

The motion to abolish the tradition of not allowing the women folk in the Court of the Naga village was moved by the President and General Secretary of the Ringui Shanao Long (Ringui Women's League), which then was carried forward by the chief of the village Atem A Shimray and the Speaker of the House, Abel Ahum.

In his explanation, the headman informed the villagers that such legislation was not only necessary but an obligation for all the men folk, if the village and the people at large are to see progress.

Emphasising that the participation of women in decision making of the society is vital for overall development, the Speaker urged the Assembly to look beyond the present circumstances and not to let radition restrain them.

He reminded the villagers that the role of women in Tangkhul society was much more than what is practised now.

It may be recalled that the Apex Tangkhul women's league  the Tangkhul Shanao Long had recently raised the issue of women's representatives in the Tangkhul Naga Long.