Kohima
A total of five women candidates are in the fray for the 13th Nagaland Assembly election to be held on February 27 elections. However this number is very small, but this can be termed as highest as compared to the last two Assembly elections in 2008 and 2013 respectively.
The women candidates filing nomination papers this time are Wedie-U Kronu for Dimapur- III Assembly Constituency (A/C) from National People’s Party (NPP) ticket, Awan Konyak for Aboi A/C under Mon district on Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). Dr K Mangyangpula filed her nomination for Noksen A/C under Tuensang district on NPP ticket, Rakhila for Tuensang Sadar-II on BJP ticket and Rekha Rose for Chizami A/C under Phek district as an Independent candidate.
The ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Congress have failed to give tickets to women candidates.
It may be recalled that the number of women candidates in 2008 Assembly elections was three- Rhakila (NCP)/Tuensang Sadar II constituency, Rose Mary Jamir (Independent) / Alungtaki constituency and Zeneisele (JD-U) / Dimapur I constituency.
In 2013, there were only two women candidates – Dr. Yangerla (Independent)/ Mokukchung Town and Rhakila (BJP)/ Tuensang Sadar II.
Women in Nagaland have a high literary rate – 76% women in Nagaland are literate compared to the national average of 65% — and are well represented in government jobs (23.5%) and private sector (49%), according to figures from the Nagaland Gender Statistics, 2016.
