For the first time ever, on January 29, 2021, the district unit of a Naga tribal clan elected a female member as its president. Khrienuo Metha became the newly elected head of the clan unit, creating history and setting a precedent for other women in the tribe.
For the Metha Thinuo Krotho, a traditional body of the Metha clan in Dimapur, and a largely patriarchal society to elect a woman as its head, is highly exceptional.
However, Metha is not new to a leadership role. She is a retired official who has previously headed various departments in Nagaland. Abu Metha, advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, and a fellow clansman, told Hindustan Times, “It’s really a big deal and it sends out such a strong message. We cannot undermine the fact that this decision directly challenges traditional attitudes. But if we are to progress, it is stories like these that need to challenge and change our thought process and archival attitudes.”
He feels that people must accept the fact that change is universal. “While preserving the positive aspects of our rich culture and heritage is crucial, we must also take progressive steps to do away with the negative aspects of the tradition that are perhaps irrelevant to present realities. We must embrace positive change,” he added.
Dr Rosemary Dzüvichü, advisor of Naga Mothers Association, expressed a similar opinion. “The Metha clan indeed is progressive,” she said. “Khrienuo has proved herself as a successful bureaucrat and a leader. We wish her all the best. She will be the best among equals,” she added. Incidentally, Dzüvichü is also head of women studies at Nagaland University.
Image Courtesy: Twitter/Abu Metha (@abumetha)