Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 07:
Customary laws of almost all the tribal communities in Manipur deny their women folk from enjoying even their basic rights, KT Shanghring, a member of Chandel Network of Positive People has stated.
Taking part in a programme conducted as part of the fortnight long observance against violence and crime on women at Chandel district head quarters today, Shanghring noted that out of every 100 families of tribal communities living in the hills womenfolk in only one family might be enjoying their rights and privileges in the true sense.
The customary laws of almost all the tribal communities consider women as secondary when it comes to taking an important decision, expressing their views and inheritance of family properties, she said, adding such denial is all the more so for women who facing the stigma and discrimination of being HIV positive.
While observing that tribal women can come out and contribute their mite in the society only when they have been allowed to enjoy their due rights, Shanghring appealed to all the people, specially the family members to understand the problems and difficulties being faced by tribal women and ensure their due rights are given.
Sharing her experiences, one HIV positive woman who participated in the programme said although HIV positive widows are not responsible for their HIV status, the blame was always put on them and are even being denied medical treatment by their own family members.
Because of the customary laws, HIV positive women are not allow to come out in the society and if they do so, people look upon them with suspicion on their moral character, she said while appealing to all not to discriminate them and understand their difficulties.