CM and Health Minister Attend International Women’s Day 2026 Celebration

Aizawl, March 18, 2026: Today, Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, attended the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration organised by the IWD Organising Committee, State Hub for Empowerment of Women (SHEW), and the Directorate of Women & Child Development at Dawrpui Multipurpose Centre. On the occasion, Lalrinpuii, Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, was the guest of honour.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma greeted the gathering on Women’s Day. He said that Mizos can proudly say that since ancient times, women have not been treated as inferior, though in difficult situations such as “mak chhiat” or “sum chhuah,” they often faced challenges. He noted that with the passing of The Mizo Marriage & Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026, women’s status has improved and become more dignified.

He stated that the present government has three women MLAs and is the first in Mizoram to appoint a woman as a Cabinet Minister. He added that this achievement has been recognised even by other communities, earning a “Women Icon Award.”

1. WCD aiawhin Pu Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram

2. Dr Lalrinawmi Ralte, Zakapa Awardee 2023

3. Pi Khawlrinpuii, Zakapa Awardee 2025

3. Dr. Jane R. Ralte, President, All Mizoram Women’s Federation

4. Pi Lalengthangi, Secretary, Aizawl Area BKHP Coordination (BKHP)

5. Pi Zomuanpuii Ralte, President All Mizoram Elected Women Representatives

6. Pi Zorinpuii Khiangte, Treasurer, Mizo Hmeichhe Tangrual

7. Territorial Home League Secretary, Salvation Army Territorial Women Ministries

8. Pi Lalhmingliani Hmar, President, YWCA

9. Pi Lalngaihzuali, President, Indian Christian Women’s Movement: Mizoram

The Chief Minister said that Mizoram is likely among the states in India where women enjoy one of the best statuses in terms of equality. He attributed this to Mizo culture, religion, and the efforts of organisations like MHIP and various women’s groups. He also observed that Mizo women actively engage not only in government jobs but also in business and entrepreneurship with determination.

Highlighting government initiatives, he said that under the flagship Bana Kaih scheme, a significant number of beneficiaries are women. In the CM Special Package Pilot phase, 985 out of 2,255 beneficiaries are women; in Phase II, 211 out of 458 are women; and among 397 approved but yet-to-be-distributed cases, 196 are women. In the loan component, 119 out of 394 beneficiaries in the pilot phase and 4 out of 10 in Phase II are women.

He also spoke about initiatives under the Women & Child Development Department supported by the central government for women’s welfare and protection. He urged people to report any form of violence against women and assured that the government would take necessary action. He stressed that making Mizoram a safe place for women and children would uplift the state and society as a whole. He encouraged women to use their potential for the betterment of the state and community.

Minister Lalrinpuii, in her speech, thanked the Chief Minister for appointing women in leadership roles and supporting various initiatives. She said that although Women’s Day could not be celebrated on the actual date, it was observed in a meaningful way by promoting Mizo values and helping the needy.

Various NGOs, church-based women’s groups, Mizoram State Commission for Women, Women’s Study Centre MZU, youth and men’s organisations, and several awardees, including Padma Shri recipients and Zakapa Award winners, attended the event.

During the programme, Women Icon Awards were presented by different dignitaries. Successful Mizo women from various fields were honoured. Vanlalnuntluangi led the International Women’s Day pledge. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by MHIP President Lalliani.

It was also noted that the 115th International Women’s Day, originally falling on March 8, was officially celebrated on March 18. This year’s theme is “Give to Gain” (translated in Mizo as “Pekin Lukhawng a Nei”).