Dimapur, April 16: A women’s conference on the 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures was held at Town Hall, Dimapur, on Thursday, bringing together leaders from political parties, civil society organisations, and women’s groups amid an intensifying political debate on the issue.

Organised as part of the BJP Mahila Morcha’s statewide outreach following its April 15 bike and scooty rallies, the programme focused on building awareness and support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act).

The conference was chaired by Smt. Apila Tia and began with an invocation prayer by Smt. M. Twinkle Kiba. A series of solidarity speeches were delivered by representatives from various organisations, including NPF, NPP, Dimapur Municipal Council, Nagaland Women’s Commission, Eastern Naga Women Organisation, Tenyimia Women Association, Naga Council (Women), Catholic Women Association, and other civil society representatives.

Speakers highlighted the importance of women’s political participation and called for greater representation in decision-making bodies. Several emphasised the need for preparedness among women to take up leadership roles if the reservation is implemented.

The programme concluded with the adoption of a resolution and a vote of thanks delivered by BJP Mahila Morcha Nagaland president Tsachola Rothong.

The conference comes in the backdrop of a sharp political exchange between the BJP and the Congress over women’s reservation. While BJP leaders have termed the 2023 legislation a historic reform ensuring women’s entry into Parliament and State Assemblies, the Congress has criticised the delay in its implementation, alleging that it has been deferred until after delimitation and future elections.

The Mahila Sammelan, along with the rallies held a day earlier, forms part of a broader mobilisation effort in Nagaland to generate public awareness on women’s reservation and encourage grassroots participation in the evolving political discourse.