Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 02 2008:
Even as men and women are equal in the eyes of the law, there is vast difference between men and women in a male-dominated society.
Under such a system which recognised male dominance over women as socially acceptable, many women are suffering from various forms of harassment and violence.
It was in the backdrop of such stark reality that the WAD (Women Action for Development) and other organisations started observing the International Fortnight on Crime Against Women since November 25 .
As a part of the observance, a mass rally was taken out against crime on women passing through several localities of Thoubal district inhabited by Muslim community today.
The rally which started from Santhel Junior High School was jointly organised by the Organisation for Development Santhel, Women Action for Development, Santhel Federation Self Help Group and Hangel Federation Self Help Group.
Various slogans such as, "Respect Women, Don't violate rights of women, Stop crimes against women, Don't harass women for dowry, for not bearing son or any child, Let's take legal help for any crime committed against women, Don't bear violence against women in silence" etc were shouted throughout the course of the rally.
The rally was also participated by many women who have been victimised by domestic violence.
Talking to media persons by the sideline of the rally, secretary of the Women Action for Development Najima observed that ill-treatment/discrimination of women and children, forcing them into immoral practices as well as trafficking women are all harsh crimes against humanity.
Trafficking women violates the basic fundamental rights of a human being.
This forfeits the right to protect and nurture one's physical and mental health, Najima asserted.
Observing that there is no respite in the number of crimes/violence committed against women in Muslim community, she noted that early marriage, lack of education are some of the primary factors abetting crimes against Muslim women.
With majority of the Muslim women being illiterate or having little education, they could not stand up against various forms of violence committed to them.
In most cases, they could not think or find ways out of their victimised situation, Najima observed.
She exuded confidence that the rally taken out in Muslim inhabited localities dotted by street corner meetings would certainly help in reducing crimes against women and children at least to some extent.