The Struggle for Gender Equality in Nagaland – It’s Complicated

Newsclick spoke with writer, lawyer, and activist, Nandita Haksar, regarding the violence which broke out recently in Nagaland about 33% reservation for women in their local body elections. There are mainly two narratives regarding the issue- one is that Patriarchy is trying to reinforce and other is that this is an attack on Naga peoples’ way of life. Efforts are being made to project the Naga society as if it’s not patriarchal one. On the other hand, voices are being raised for ensuring women’s participation in the decision making process. In the many layers of the issue we can see it isn’t only about 33% reservation but also about how Article 371(a) is being wrongfully used to curtail women’s participation in the political space. There is also the question of land rights for women. And finally, where does the buck stop, is this whole upheaval just another effort to gain control over land and resources and let the corporates move in?