"Two lakh educated women unemployed"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 06 2011:
Saying that two lakh educated women are unemployed in Manipur, Manipur University Associate Professor Chinglen Maisnam has asserted that incidents of violence against women are closely related with economic condition of women.
Chinglen was speaking at the 6th foundation day anniversary of the Ching-Tam United Women's Association at Major Khul community Hall here today.
Citing records available at Employment Exchange, Chinglen said that out of seven lakh educated unemployed people in the State, around two lakhs are women.
The ever worsening economic condition of Manipur is testified by the swelling number of women vendors at Khwairamband Keithel.
Noting that the State Government has no definite economic policy of its own, Chinglen pointed out that all the industries established in the State have collapsed.
Whereas emissions from large factories have become a major issue in other States, dust and dirt remained the principal issue in Manipur.
Observing that the rate of crime against women has been rising in the State, Chinglen Maisnam asserted that this disturbing trend is closely related with the financial condition of the State and economic security of women.
When the financial condition of a woman is sound, she can fight all sorts of violence directed against her.
For economic development of a nation, it is imperative to practice healthy politics, he asserted.
Between 2004 and 2009, Manipur witnessed 17,792 different criminal cases but charge-sheets were framed against only 4 per cent of these criminal cases.
It is a clear testimony that Manipur Police have little acumen for investigation into criminal cases.
Women Action for Development secretary Sobita Mangshatabam noted that cases of violence targeting women and children have been rising as an offshoot of the protracted conflict situation, imposition of AFSPA for a prolonged period, absence of effective administration, abuse of drugs and high prevalence rate of HIV and the unhealthy financial condition.
She also asserted that cases of domestic violence against women are closely intertwined with the financial condition of the family.
There was a case this year when a woman killed her husband.
Most often, women harassed and tortured by their husbands were heard swearing that they would be satisfied only when their husbands were killed.
Saying that it demands a critical study about how these vengeful thoughts cropped up in the minds of the victimised women, Sobita informed that there were 65 cases of disappearance of women between January and September this year.
Out of them, 48 were married women.
Despite facing numerous cases of violence, Manipuri women are still in the forefront of any national movement.
However, they are never allowed to participate or taken into account when it comes to decision-making.
The foundation day function was attended by Advocate Wahengbam Lata, CHITUWA president P Momon Leima, president of the All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj K Taruni, president of the Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup L Memchoubi, Kanglamei president Y Leirik Leima AMKIL president Ph Sakhi , president of the United Manipur Muslim Women's Association Sitara Begum and MEEKHOL president AK Janaki as presidium members.