Mirabai bats for women empowerment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 14, 2012:
Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai has asserted that there will be all-round development in the Manipuri society only when there is economic and political empowerment of the womenfolk.
Speaking as the chief guest at an awareness programme on 'Empowerment of Women' held at Jiribam Town Hall on august 12, Mirabai, who also holds the Cooperation portfolio, stressed on empowerment of the womenfolk to achieve the goal of overall development.
Stating that apart from empowerment, the womenfolk should also take the leading role in all spheres of life, the Minister urged for sustained cooperation in making economic activities initiated by the Social Welfare Department into a vibrant venture.
Conveying that she too feels the pain whenever atrocities are committed against the women, she said under a specific rehabilitation programme six victims of rape have been provided financial assistance to help them overcome the harrowing experience through involvement in economic activities.
Conceding that no amount of financial incentive would be enough for a victim woman to forget the traumatic experience, the Minister called for concerted campaigns to weed out disruptive elements from the society.
While a number of welfare schemes had been initiated for people with disabilities there is continuous deliberation to provide maximum assistance to help the differently abled section of the society, announced the Minister who also stated that Social Welfare Department being dependent on financial patronage of the Central Government sometimes come under criticism for its inability to clear monthly salary in time.
Social Welfare Director G Seityabati, who also spoke at the occasion, noted that Jiribam had been gradually witnessing positive changes for the womenfolk.
Meanwhile, the Jiri Musical Institute and a vocational centre for embroidery were also inaugurated by the Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai.
She also assessed condition of anganwadi centres in Jiribam.