Hekani Jakhalu, MLA and Advisor for Industries & Commerce in Nagaland, has said that women’s reservation in legislatures is “very needed,” asserting that the state is gradually moving beyond patriarchal barriers with more women entering frontline politics. Referring to the proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, she noted that Nagaland has already implemented 33% reservation in urban local bodies (ULBs), which has helped bring forward many capable women leaders.
Although Jakhalu herself was elected without any quota, she emphasized that reservation remains important to expand women’s participation in politics. She also mentioned that her party had supported both her and fellow minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse even before reservation provisions, while reiterating her personal support for the policy. Addressing concerns about the feasibility of such reservation in a traditionally patriarchal society, Jakhalu dismissed them as a “misconception.” She said recent electoral successes demonstrate that societal attitudes are changing. “Our menfolk—husbands, fathers, brothers and supporters—were in the forefront to make us win,” she stated, adding that patriarchy is now an outdated concept that “will not work in Nagaland anymore.”
Jakhalu asserted that reservation would create more opportunities for women to participate in governance and policymaking. Citing ULB elections, she highlighted that women secured nearly 37% of seats—exceeding the mandated 33%—with several candidates winning even without reservation. She further said that the Assembly victories of herself and Kruse have “broken the glass ceiling, transforming both women’s self-confidence and societal perceptions. “If given a chance, they will perform much better than many other men,” she added.
