After 60 Yrs Of Statehood, Nagaland Gets Its 1st And 2nd Female MLA
It's giving us hope!
Despite being nearly 50% of the population, women’s representation in politics and the Indian government continues to remain low. Sure, Droupadi Murmu is the President of India but do you know that out of the total 28 states of India, only one state (West Bengal) has a female Chief Minister? Yeah, that’s the kind of female representation we have. According to recent data from Observers Research Foundation report, women’s representation in the Lok Sabha has been a little below 15%. But it’s time to welcome change (even if it’s baby steps). 60 years after attaining statehood, Nagaland has finally got its first and second female MLAs.
During Nagaland’s Assembly elections for 2023, out of the 183 candidates who contested for the elections, 4 were women of which 2 won. Hekani Jakhalu Kense and Salhoutuonuo Kruse came out victorious in the elections becoming the first-ever female MLAs of the state. Both the contestants were from the NDPP party.
First Women MLA of Nagaland:
Nagaland has never had any woman as MLA till date. But history was made today when for the first time, two women got elected to the state Assembly. @Hekani elected from Dimapur is a US-educated lawyer and social activist. pic.twitter.com/grw9X35wHt— Femme First Foundation (@FemmeFirstF) March 2, 2023
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Who Is Hekani Jakhalu Kense?
Hekani Jakhalu Kense is a lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur who obtained her education in the US. She represented the NDPP party from Dimapur-III. Following her win, in a tweet, the 47-year-old female MLA of Nagaland said that the victory is not hers alone while dedicating her win to God while pledging to do her duty with honesty and integrity.
My victory is not mine alone, it belongs to my people who trusted me with their hopes & aspirations. I dedicate this victory to God and pledge to serve my constituents with honesty and integrity. #UpaiAse #Dimapur3 @NDPPofficial @BJPNagaland @Neiphiu_Rio @abumetha pic.twitter.com/o5MIPOhGg6
— Hekani Jakhalu (@Hekani) March 2, 2023
Who Is Salhoutuonuo Kruse?
Salhoutuonuo Kruse is an activist who contested the Nagaland Assembly Elections on NDPP ticket for the Western Angami seat. She is the former president of the Angami Women Organisation. The 56-year-old female legislator had a tough victory as she won against Independent candidate Keneizhakho Nakhro by just 7 votes. In her victory tweet, the MLA said that they have created history while dedicating the win to God and the citizens of her area.
Today, we have created history!This momentous victory belongs to us. I owe this victory to God Almighty, and to my citizens of #8WesternAngami. I am very humbled by the support everyone has given me. Thank you for making this possible. I look forward to serving you.#KamPara pic.twitter.com/fbIWKCJafb
— Salhoutuonuo Kruse (@k_salhoutuonuo) March 2, 2023
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Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio congratulated both women on the win and said that they carry the hopes of women as well as future generations.
History has been made!
Heartfelt congratulations, Mrs. @k_salhoutuonuo and Mrs. @Hekani Jakhalu on winning Assembly Elections. You carry the hopes of women and future generations as changemakers and role models. I hope you will continue to be passionate and courageous. pic.twitter.com/goMlR3fEXD
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) March 2, 2023
Sure, this win might have come 60 years too late but it’s a win nonetheless. This win adds two more women to the lacking female representation. This is making us more hopeful about female representation in the Indian government.
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