Need for empowering tribal women stressed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 12 2020:
There is a need to identify and rectify or abolish the outdated and segregated customary laws to uplift and empower tribal women, said Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) Chairperson Dr Meinam Binota today.
She was speaking at a felicitation ceremony held to welcome T Chuongsin Koireng as a new member of the MSCW at Utonglok village in Kangpokpi district.
The MSCW Chairperson who attended the event as chief guest expressed concern that Manipur has many issue and among them is rising crime against women.
Due to tradition and customary laws, in all parts of the State, women continue to face the brunt of the society and they are exploited of their rights, she said.
She continued that as compared to other parts of the State, women in hill areas often do not come out against atrocities committed against them.
Filing of complaint against crime against women is relatively low in tribal areas when compared with other parts of Manipur, she said.
Moreover, tribal customary law doesn't award women property right, she added stressing that they should be given the right to property.
Customary laws guard the identity, culture and way of life of the tribal people.
They are also useful in keeping the sanctity of the tribal women intact.
But these laws, at the same time, should not infringe upon the rights of the women.
These laws should never stop women from reaching greater heights, Binota said.
Calling on all tribal women to come out and stand strong against atrocities committed against them, she encouraged them to approach the Manipur State Commission for Women and file complaint anytime to address their issues.
AMUCO president Nando Luwang and All Tribal Disables' Union, Manipur president Momo Tatanga also attended the event.