Call for equality marks International Women's Day in State
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 08, 2014:
As observed in other parts of the world, the International Women's Day was observed under the theme �Equality for women is progress for all� by various organizations across the State today.
The state-level observance was organized by Social Welfare Department, Manipur at State Bal Bhavan located at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex here with OSD of Social Welfare SS Chhabra as Chief Guest and Joint Secretary of Social Welfare H Rupachandra as President.
Speaking on the occasion, SS Chhabra said that the International Women's Day should better be observed everyday in each and every household to make everyone aware of women's rights and empowerment.
He further said that the participation of women in various activities of the society is still very less.
They must be empowered and encouraged to play great roles in the society.
Moreover, the rising crime and violence against women and children should be curtailed by all concerned, Chhabra asserted.
The OSD also appealed to all to respect women and make the society progressive through gender equality.
Joint Secretary Rupachandra said that the Government is considering enacting stringent law to punish the perpetrators of crime and violence against women in the country.
Everyone should join hands to bring a significant change in the society through women empowerment.
The International Women's Day was also observed by Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) under the theme �Inspire economic freedom of women� at Kuranganayani Hall located at Imphal West DC Office Complex, Lamphelpat here.
The observance was attended by Chairperson of MSCW Dr I Ibetombi, Members of MSCW June Rose and Hodam Piteshwori, Commandant of 9th IRB W Mamata, legal advisor of MSCW S Meghachandra and Professor of RIMS Psychiatry Department RK Lenin as presidium members.
Speaking at the observance, Chairperson of MSCW Dr Ibetombi said that denial of women in decision-making of the State is a hindrance to the progress of the society.
The women, who were once denied voting right, are now excelling in different fields.
They must be given self-defence training to help them tackle increasing crime and violence against them.
There should also be a stringent law to safeguard the rights and interests of women in the country, she added.
The International Women's Day was also observed by Manipur State Women's Development Cooperation Limited at Taobungkhok Awang Leikai in Imphal West with Zilla Parishad Member of Takyel A Manileima as Chief Guest and Pradhan of Patsoi Gram Panchayat N Tomba as President.
The Women's Day was also observed by BJP Manipur Pradesh Mahila Morcha at Kongba and Kakching Bazar.
Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL) also observed the International Women's Day at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound with President of KIL RK Sanahanbi, Advisor of KANGLAMEI Ch Ibempishak, Convenor of JCILPS H Ibotombi Khuman, President of PANDAM Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, President of ACOAM Lup Kshetrimayum Somorendro, President of IPSA Johnson Elangbam, President of SEACO Koijam Keingamba and President of CLK Th Tampakleima as presidium members.
District Legal Services Authority, Imphal East and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Services also observed the International Women's Day at Eastern Girls' High School, Akampat.
The Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University observed the International Women's Day at the University Campus with former Principal Secretary of State Government P Saratchandra as Chief Guest and Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University Dr M Sureshkumar as President.
Dean of Students' Welfare, Manipur University Prof RK Hemkumar, Director of Centre for Myanmar Studies Prof W Nabakumar and President of All Manipur Bar Association Khaidem also attended the observance as Guests of Honour.
The International Women's Day was also observed by All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) under the theme �Let us carry the struggle forward� at GM Hall here with HOD of English Department, DM College of Arts Dr Ch Sheelaramani as Chief Guest and President of AMAWOVA Y Kunjarani as President.
On the other hand, Women Environmental Protection Force Manipur, Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup and Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup jointly observed the International Women's Day at Kwairamband Ema Keithel here today.