The United Women’s Welfare Organisation (UWWO), earlier known as the Dimapur Women Welfare Organisation, observes its Golden Jubilee on 24 October 2026.
The UWWO was registered on 22 May 1976 under the Directorate of Education, Nagaland, with the assistance of the late Mr Ariensa, proprietor of Sharon English School. The organisation began without funds. Members contributed materials to make pillow covers, handkerchiefs and sweaters, which were sold to raise money. This self-help method has remained an integral part of its practice, building solidarity and economic self-reliance among members.
Members who took part in its work over the years include Mrs Amenla Saku, Mrs Martha Walling, Mrs Apokla Kibang, Mrs Watila Tsudi, Mrs Satemla Sen, late Mrs Vijaya Nair, late Mrs Tsukti Longkumer, late Mrs Uma Kacher, Mrs Amongla Taka, Mrs Watila Tojo, Mrs Tiala, Mrs Temjenla, Mrs Chubala, Mrs Narola Along, Mrs Putula and others who joined later. Their sustained involvement has contributed greatly towards the organisations progress and development , creating lasting pathways for community service.
On 6 April 1986 the organisation opened a Balwadi pre-school for children aged 2½ to 5 years from low-income families. Classes began in the dining room of Sharon English School. Permission was later obtained from the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur (late Dr L.V. Reddy, IAS), and the Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Dimapur, to use the largely unused Children’s Park in Supply Colony, which was nearly abandoned and was being used to raise pigs and dump garbage . With financial and material support from individuals and organisations, the necessary infrastructure was developed on the site. The school building was inaugurated by Mr Imtisungit Jamir, former minister, on 23 May 1989. The UWWO continues to oversee the functioning of the school.
By providing accessible early education to children from economically disadvantaged households, the Balwadi has contributed to improved school readiness, and long-term opportunities for the next generation, while reinforcing the organisation’s role as a trusted community institution.
The organisation was formed in May 1976 on the initiative of the late Mrs Daisy Yaden, wife of Mr L.L. Yaden, then Commissioner of Nagaland.
Mrs Yaden had been engaged in social work since 1952 at Tuensang. In 1955 she started a Women’s Welfare Centre at Changtongya. After her husband’s transfer to Mokokchung she opened a kindergarten school there in 1960; the school continues to function. At Noklak she organised instruction for women and girls in domestic skills, hygiene and home maintenance. In Kohima in 1962 and later in Zunheboto (1969–70) she introduced local women and officers’ wives to social-work activities. In 1973 she was appointed Chairperson of the State Social Welfare Advisory Board, in which capacity she toured towns and villages, inspected centres and supported the establishment of Balwadi pre-schools. She had already opened a Balwadi at Kohima Village and another at Naga Bazaar, Kohima, in 1972. The same year she initiated the Kohima Women Voluntary Welfare Organisation and served as its Chairperson. After her term on the State Board she became a member of the Central Welfare Board. In 2013 she received the Governor’s Gold Medal for her contribution to social-welfare activities in the state.
Her lifelong efforts laid the foundation for empowering women through practical skills and collective action, expanding early childhood care to underserved areas, and fostering community participation in welfare work. She was the President of the UWWO untill her demise in 2024.
The United women’s Welfare Organisation ‘s motto is “Service to Man is Service to God.” It continues to run the pre-school and related social-work activities that formed the main purpose of its establishment. Over five decades, the UWWO has exemplified how dedicated women’s collectives can drive meaningful social change—through education, skill development, self-help, and other social work activities.
Mrs Amenla Saku
President UWWO
Mrs Martha Walling
General Secretary UWWO
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