Women empowerment camp underway
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 18 2013: Social Welfare Minister Ak Mirabai Devi inaugurated a three-day camp State level 'Women's Empowerment' camp at Tabungkhok, Imphal West on September 17 which also served as an event for distribution of embroidery and tailoring machines.

Speaking as chief guest, Minister Mirabai regretted that inspite of the Central Government implementing various welfare programmes focused on uplifting status of the women such programmes are yet to have the desired impact as women continue to depend on the men.

Highlighting that Government of India is committed to bring the womenfolk on par with the men in diverse fields including increasing their presence in governance, Mirabai said along with the implementation of the 20-point economic programme process is underway for reservation of 30 percent seat for women members in local bodies.

Lamenting that despite determination of the Government to have more women members in such decision making bodies the ultimate objective remains elusive as the elected women representatives seem to be influenced by their spouses rather than acting on their own volition, the chief guest reminded that the women themselves have to decide for their future without which all the noble programmes launched by the Government will not have much positive impact on the society.

Asserting that only when the womenfolk realise their rights and contribute towards lifting socio-economic condition of their peers would the society progress significantly, she also informed the gathering that the women empowerment camp is part of the Government's initiative to remind the women their constitutional rights.

In the same way sewing and tailoring machines are being distributed to enable womenfolk at the grassroots level sustain their livelihood in a respectable manner as well as expand their economic horizon, exhorted the Minister while asking the beneficiaries for judicious and purposeful utilisation of the income generating machinery.

apart from economic emancipation there is need for the womenfolk to remain constantly vigil so that different forms of atrocities being committed against women and girl could be prevented effectively, said the Minister.

In his brief address at the occasion MLA RK Anand reminded that economic independence is a stepping stone towards attaining socio-political freedom.

The sewing and tailoring machines were provided to 100 beneficiaries who underwent six months training in the 8th batch of the training programme.

the equipment were provided with 70 percent financial assistance of the Manipur State Women's Development Corporation and the remaining through contribution of the beneficiaries.

The women's empowerment camp is being held at the Tabungkhok training hall of Rural Women and Children's Development Welfare Association.

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