Zeme Naga Customary Law and Women's Rights: Negotiating Change and Continuity

Abstract: The Zeme Nagas are an indigenous community living at the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. The customary laws and customs governing social interactions, property, inheritance, marriage, and the broader community life are fundamental to Zeme society. While customary law plays an important role in maintaining social order and preserving cultural identity, certain practices have implications for gender relations by limiting women's rights, participation, and autonomy. This article analyses the status of Zeme Naga women with special focused on the dynamics of change and continuity in inheritance, property, marriage, divorce, and women's social and economic participation. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research approach integrating secondary sources with primary data collected through purposive interviews with selected respondents in Jalukie, Peren District, Nagaland. The findings indicate that the spread of Christianity, access to higher education, women-oriented programmes such as self-help groups (SHGs), and initiatives by civil society and churches have contributed to women's social, economic, and, to some extent, political empowerment. However, limited progress remains in inheritance and social rights, particularly in matters concerning divorce. Although property ownership can enhance women's autonomy and economic independence, significant barriers to accessing and controlling property continue to persist. The study argues that Zeme customary practices are selectively adapting to socioeconomic changes rather than remaining static or undergoing complete transformation. It concludes that the Zeme customary system remains positioned between cultural continuity and modernity, highlighting the need for community advocacy, legal awareness, and gender-responsive adaptation within customary institutions. Keywords: Customary Law, Women’s Role, Patriarchy, Social Change, Tradition and Modernity. Title: Zeme Naga Customary Law and Women’s Rights: Negotiating Change and Continuity Author: Kerekulungle, Dr. Achanger, Dr. Moameren Pongen International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 429-438 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 28-September-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23008932 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/zeme-naga-customary-law-and-womens-rights-negotiating-change-and-continuity