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GENDER ACTION PLAN AND PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES KOHIMA 1. Introduction

The Government of India (GOI) had obtained a loan from the Asian Development Bank towards the North Eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Program (NERCCDIP). The proposed loan is under ADB’s Multi Tranche Financing Facility towards financing investment program to improve urban infrastructure conditions in 5 North Eastern Region Capital Cities namely, Agartala, Aizwal, Gangtok, Kohima and Shillong. The Program will (i) improve urban infrastructure and services, (ii) strengthen urban institutions for better service delivery, build project management and implementation capacity. The implementing agency of the project in Kohima is the State Investment Program Management and Implementation Unit (SIPMIU) headed by Program Director. The NERCCDIP’s objective is to improve the urban environment and promote reforms for sustainable, efficient, and responsive urban service delivery. The primary drivers for the initiation of NERCCDIP have been bridging the gaps in urban infrastructure provision, supplementing financial resources and technical capacity and meeting the unmet urban public health and sanitation needs. The major infrastructure developments are in the sectors of Water supply, Sewerage & Sanitation and Solid Waste Management. The program is estimated to be completed in the span of 6 years. The NERCCDIP envisages investments in Kohima in three Projects corresponding to three tranches. M/s Wilbur Smith Associates has been engaged as the Design, Construction Supervision & Management Consultant (DSMC) for this City. According to the ADB guidelines and the Indian regulations, it is necessary to implement public awareness programs and give due importance for gender issues of the project area. This report is a brief of the activities carried out in this regard at various stages of the project. Also the project gives an outlook about the project area. 2. Overview of Kohima

Kohima had earlier been a sparsely inhabited area ruled by tribal chiefs. It was first settled as a town in 1874, by British troops sent to maintain law and order. Kohima district was established in 1881 as a sub division of the former Naga Hills district within Assam. It became the headquarters of the Naga Hills District in 1891, and began to attract a few in-migrants. However, it remained a small town, even as late as 1951, when it was a police and administrative outpost with an area of four square kilometers (4 sq km) and a population of only 4,125 persons. In 1963 it was made the capital of Nagaland, and began to grow more rapidly. Kohima is inhabited by various tribes- Ao, Angami, Sumi, Lotha, Chakesang, Rengma, Sangtam, Zeliang, Kuki, Phom and Pochury with the Angamis as majority. Each tribe is distinct and unique in character from the others in terms of dialects, food habits, dressing style, customs and ornaments. Kohima district is situated on the Dimapur - Imphal National Highway 39. On the north, the district is bounded by Mokokchung district, on the east by Tuensang district and Myanmar, on the south by Manipur. The Dimapur district shares the western boundary. Being the capital of the state, Kohima is the main administrative, commercial, educational and religious center of Nagaland Kohima is connected with three National Highways namely NH 39, 61 and 150. It has fairly good connectivity with all neighboring states and their capitals. The need for control, regulation and segregation of regional traffic with intra urban traffic becomes an important aspect in planning designs and deciding on investments. NH-39 is scheduled to become a part of the regional highway network,

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which may someday connect eastern India with Myanmar and Thailand. Dimapur, the largest urban center of Nagaland, and located 74km to the west of Kohima, is the nearest railhead and airport.

Figure 1.1: Regional Settings and Linkages

Kohima city is situated on a ridge with a number of small hillocks and valleys. Its altitude varies from 1200 m to 1650 m. Several areas are so steep with cliff formation that they are unsuitable for habitation. Seismically, entire Nagaland falls under Earthquake Prone Zone-V. It is located in one of the most seismically active areas. The whole city is prone to landslides due to its soil types and rock structure. Every year, the city is affected by landslides especially on the eastern and western slopes causing damage to structures, lives and property. The Urban Development Department is presently trying to develop the city in the northern direction. The physical and socio-cultural constraints for development and growth of Kohima include:

The Cantonment area, The forested areas, The privately owned lands under tribal control (Article 371A) (land will not be sold to

non-tribal members), The steep slopes &landslide areas

The city is separated internally by several geo-physical settings like very steep slopes, natural storm water drainage channels and its various tributaries. These act as constraints on the continuous development of the city thereby creating problems against the development of infrastructure provisions. Kohima is developed on several hill spurs interlinked by two major national Highways, 39 and 61 roads running from east to west and north to south respectively across the city. Almost all the residential, commercial and administrative is concentrated along this road.

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The city cannot grow further in the southern direction because of the hills and forest of Pulie Badze. Urban Development Department (UDD) is presently trying to develop the city in the northern direction with large tracts of land acquired for developing the New Capital Complex. Government has been able to acquire only 50% of this tract. Within KMC Area, the people of Kohima village, Tsiesema, Mereima and Thizama villages own most of the land. These traditional lands cannot be acquired under the Land Acquisition Laws, due to the protection of the natural resources in Kohima by Article 371A of the Constitution. Hence, it becomes a hindrance for further development of the city. As mentioned above, the existing physical pattern has been dictated primarily by the availability/non availability of usable & safer land not vulnerable to landslides. The present city structure can be termed as “linear” with growth concentrated along the major roads. The future direction of growth is also likely to remain more or less the same due to the topographical constraints. Physical characteristics such as availability of habitable land (moderate slopes and low hazard areas in terms of landslides) and accessibility would be the determining factors for urban growth. The Urban local body, Kohima Municipal Council has 19wards.

Figure 1.2: Ward wise Map of Kohima Municipal Council

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3. Demographic Profile of Kohima district

According to Census 2011 the population of Kohima district of Nagaland was 270,063 of which male and female were 140, 118 and 129,945 respectively. The initial provisional data suggest a density of 213 in 2011. The total area of Kohima district is about 1,041 sq. km. The average literacy rate of Kohima district in 2011 was 85.58 compared to 78.00 of 2001. If things are looked out at gender wise, the male and female literacy rates were 89.28 and 81.56 respectively. According to 2001 census, these figures stood at 83.51 and 71.78 respectively. Accordingly the total literates in Kohima District were 200,180 of which male and female were 108,781 and 91,399 respectively. With regards to the Sex Ratio in Kohima, it stood at 927 per 1000 male in 2011, compared to the 2001 census figure of 898. The details are summarized below. As the 2011 census data of Kohima Municipality is not yet published, these details shall be updated subsequently.

Description 2011

Actual Population 270,063

Male 140,118

Female 129,945

Area Sq. Km 1,041

Density/km2 213

Proportion to Nagaland Population 13.64%

Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 927

Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age) 978

Average Literacy 85.58

Male Literacy 89.28

Female Literacy 81.56

Total Child Population (0-6 Age) 36,157

Male Population (0-6 Age) 18,277

Female Population (0-6 Age) 17,880

Literates 200,180

Male Literates 108,781

Female Literates 91,399

Child Proportion (0-6 Age) 13.39%

Boys Proportion (0-6 Age) 13.04%

Girls Proportion (0-6 Age) 13.76%

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4. Importance of Gender Studies in Development Project

Over the last nearly two decades, gender development has indeed been discussed in great deal. There have been scores of conferences, trainings and workshops on gender issues and gender sensitization. Gender issues were brought to bear on development issues when it started becoming clear that planned development efforts, which were meant to improve the lives of whole community at large were either not helping women or were rather harming them in many ways. Around the end of 1960’s and early 1970’s, several researchers from different parts of the world started pointing out this neglect to women in the development planning. They also had pointed out certain important shortcomings in the development process such as lack of participation and marginalization of the poor. Planners assumed that development programs would automatically benefit all members of the communities, but the assumption has proved wrong almost everywhere. Because little attention was paid to the poor and economically & socially weaker sections of the society, particularly women, who are the most active members inside their households. Women’s contribution to the household and the economy was neither recognized nor valued. Several studies showed facts and figures to show that gender insensitive development plans had generally ignored the women, their perspectives as well as their needs and interests. This neglect has led to the non addressment of the existing inequalities between women and men. Moreover, the women’s potential contribution and participation in the development process were ignored. There were demands for a women’s movement towards equality, justice & empowerment, which are the three main goals of development. ADB’s policy on Gender and Development (GAD) adopts gender mainstreaming as the key strategy for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across the full range of ADB operations—from country partnership strategies to the design & implementation of gender-inclusive projects and programs. Accordingly, certain activities are planned to promote women involvement and empowerment under this project. 5. Draft Gender Action Plan

The draft copy of gender action plan for Kohima is given in the table below.

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GENDER ACTION PLAN –Kohima (Tranche 2)

Areas of Mainstreaming Activities Targets Responsibility Action to be taken (Time/Period)

Further Action Monitoring

(i) Project awareness, Gender sensitization and Sustainable & increased access to better urban services

Awareness Programs Organize awareness campaigns on project components and its benefits (village level) ensure Focused Group Discussions (Gender Sensitization)

Sensitization regarding gender issues is priority. The aspects include:

Identification of women’s needs and concerns;

Addressing women’s needs and Concerns in the sub project Women involvement in project

planning, implementation and operation & maintenance.

Awareness Programs. Total populations (ensure maximum women participation in each meetings) Focused Group Discussions (Gender Sensitization) Members of Women’

Organization Female population

SIPMIU in coordination with KMC officials, Women’s organizations. SIPMIU shall be responsible for proper documentation.

Under progress and need to be continued throughout the project period

The major issues and concerns raised by the community/groups in the seminars and FGDs shall be discussed at the appropriate level of the project authority

A monitoring committee may be constituted under the chairman ship of Chairman KMC. The Program Director of SIPMIU, Team leader of DSMC, Social Development officer of SIPMIU and representatives of women’s organizations may be the members of the committee.

(ii) Main streaming the vulnerable section of the society.

Identification of woman headed households To identify WHH, a survey would be conducted with the help of Women’s organizations and the data shall be vetted with census 2011

Identify total number of Woman headed households within the KMC

DSMC & SIPMIU Immediate

Provision of connections and meters to poor female-headed households (FHHs)

Total number of WHH of KMC

SIPMIU Prior to the water supply connection

(iii) Improved solid waste management systems

Conduct consultations among community members (target: 50% women) on the manner and schedule of trash collection

Community members

SIPMIU

Immediate

The major issues and concerns raised by the community/groups in the seminars and FGDs shall be discussed at the appropriate level of the project authority for further decision

(iv) Livelihood Benefits

Provide employment of women in the construction of pipelines, plants, etc., with implementation of ‘same pay for work of equal value’

Women workers SIPMIU and contracting company

Immediate

Conduct training on alternative livelihoods for women using recyclable materials (e.g., paper mache, etc.) with the help of appropriate training agencies.

Women community members

SIPMIU to organize the trainings, in coordination with an NGO or a state agency providing livelihood trainings

Along with the implementation of solid waste management systems.

Ensure equal opportunity in the upcoming jobs in the project, such as primary collection, job at the SWM plant site, the marketing of reusable & compost manure etc.

Women community of KMC (irrespective of their educational qualifications)

SIPMIU Continue from the date of commissioning.

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6. Proceedings of FGDs and gender sensitization meetings

i. Discussion with Ms Rosemary Dzuvichu, Advisor to Naga Mothers Association As part of gathering support for gender sensitization meetings and women participation in the project, a meeting with Ms Rosemary Dzuvichu, lecturer in Nagaland University in English department as well as the Advisor to Naga Mothers Association (NMA) was arranged on 21-05-12 at the office of Nagaland state commission for women, Kohima. During the discussion Ms Rosemary Dzuvichu pointed out that water scarcity & inadequate toilet facilities for women in and around the town are the major issues being faced by the Naga women. An immediate remedy to this short fall is the need of the women community in Kohima. She also spoke about the unsatisfactory condition of drainage & sanitation systems and offered their wholehearted support for a remedial movement, including arrangement of grass root level meetings.

Ms. Viserenuo Theunuo, Sociologist (LHS) interacting with Ms. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Advisor to NMA ii. Focused group discussion with women leaders of different organizations, held on 23rd

May 2012 at 2:00 pm in Mrs. Abei Meru’s (NMA, President) residence D. Block Kohima. At the outset, Mr. OG Sureshkumar, the social expert of DSMC, welcomed the gathering and explained about the project, the importance of public involvement (especially women involvement) in developmental projects, the anticipated benefits of the project etc. Ms. Viserenuo Theunuo, the sociologist of SIPMIU, pointed out on some the issues which are being faced by the female gender of Kohima city. Further to the introductory session, the opinion/suggestion of participates were gathered, the details are given below. Mrs. Abei Meru, Welcomed the project and appreciated the action taken by the project authority to involve women in the project. She spoke about the urgent requirements of toilet for women in and around the main town area as well as the issue of water scarcity in the town.

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Mrs. Sarah got clarified her doubts regarding the present water supply system operated by PHED department. Mrs. Sarah also added that if women are properly involved in the project, all the project implementation issues would be solved smoothly. Also she offered their organization’s support for the project implementation. Mrs. Salhoutuonuo enquired whether beautification of town is under our project to which we replied that it is not initiated by our department but assured that with the proper segregation of waste and improvement of water supply, our town would automatically become beautiful. She also enquired about the Dzukou water project and how far it has advanced. We informed her that the major investigation works have been completed and the Geological Mapping of the project area will be started very soon by the Nagaland University. Mrs. Vilavou Yhome suggested that if the Dzukou water project is not implemented in the near future, then the rain water harvesting method would be the most appropriate solution for Kohima’s water shortage. Presently people of Kohima are storing the rain water for shorter periods in an unorganized pattern. Ms. Rosemary asked to provide some job opportunities for skilled and unskilled women labours in the project. The woman leaders were very happy for inviting their involvement in the project and were ready to give their full support in subsequent stages. Also they offered their cooperation to conduct meetings at village level in the coming days. The meeting was concluded with a lunch provided by Mrs. Abei Meru. In the conclusion Mr. Kumar and Ms. Viserenuo Theunuo assured that, all the concerns raised by the participants will be brought to the knowledge of the project authority. The attendance and snap shots of the meeting are attached as Annexure-1 of this report. 7. Field Visits and Interviews

As part of familiarization of issues and concerns of female gender of the project area, a few field visits & interviews with the cross section of the society were conducted. The details are given below. i. Visit at Midland colony and interaction with women fetching water in the community

water pond.

During the discussion with a lady, who was carrying water from a small community water pond, we were told that she used to spend around 3 to 4 hours to collect the required quantity of water for the family inspite of the fact that the family members when free were also helping her in fetching water. During rainy season she depends on rain water collected from roof top. According to her the time she spends on fetching water could be utilized for some income generating activities like weaving of winter clothes for self & sale.

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ii. Visit to Kitsubozou colony and interaction with Mrs. Rüyohole (housewife) We made a short visit to Kitsubozou also known as Choto basti which is considered as a slum area and interacted with Mrs. Rüyohole. She has three children and her husband works in the church. Two of their children are staying at Guwahati, one runs a hotel and the other one is a missionary. The youngest one is living with her. In addition to doing the household works she is managing a small household poultry farm, from which she is getting a profit of around Rs. 1000/month.

Mr. Kumar and Ms. Viserenuo Theunuo interacting with Mrs. Rüyohole (housewife)

8. Conclusion

The section of women we interacted was expressing the following concerns:

i. Lack of information on the development activities planned by the authorities. ii. Lack of exploring their opinion on such issues. iii. Lack of attending to the priorities of the women folk. iv. Lack of inviting them to the paid jobs related to the development works. v. The long pending neglect and failure of the authorities to provide the two basic needs,

the drinking water & proper toilet facility.

Annexure -1

Snap shots of the Focused group discussion with women leaders of different

organizations, held on 23rd May 2012 at 2:00 pm in Mrs Abei Meru’s (NMA, President)

residence D. Block Kohima.

OG Sureshkumar, Social expert of DSMC and Ms.Viserenuo Theunuo, sociologist SIPMIU are

explaining the project details to the participants