Significance of Intl Women's Day highlighted: RPF acknowledges role of women
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 07 2012: Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has extended greetings to the women of Manipur on the occasion of International Women's Day.

A press statement issued by secretary publicity of the outfit, T Leisemba said, although efforts are being made to liberate women from religious and social restrictions, women are still victimised by their spouses and powerful people.

In order to emancipate women from all such oppressions, United Nations started deliberations on women issues in 1975 declaring the decade as 'Decade of Women' .

However, the first known mass movement was witnessed in New York city in 1857, T Leisemba said.

He added, women artisans agitated against long working hours (12 hours) and decrement of wages.

The incident fuelled different women movements across the globe, he added.

Leisemba said, UNESCO has been observing International Women's Day on March 8 since 1977 .

With regard to the women of Manipur, T Leisemba said, women have been taking active part in all family matters and issues relating to the society.

During monarchy, Leisemba said, women took the charge of managing their respective families when their spouses went out to serve the kingdom and the king for lallup for 40 days a year.

In her book, the then Political Agent of Manipur, Mr Grimwood's wife, Ethel Grimwood wrote in her book, "Meiteis never keep their women locked.

That is why they are clever and enlightened" .

Remembering the contribution made by Manipuri women during Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years Devastation), women backed the movement of Gambhir Singh and Hirachandra.

They collectively campaigned to marry only with Manipuri men.

Leisemba also remembered the courage of Manipuri women showcased during the first Nupilan (1904) and the second Nupilan (1939).Leisemba opined that celebration of International Women's Day in the State is different from celebrations in other parts of the world.

Observing that Manipuri women are fighting against the oppressions occurred due to colonial rule, Leisemba said, women in other parts of the world are campaigning against capitalist forces.

Saying that during World World-II, Manipur had only one section of women, Leisemba classified the women of current generation into three sections- illiterate, educated working women and educated unemployed.

While illiterate women are taking active part in social issues honestly, educated women remain aloof from these issues, Leisemba observed.

As educated women do not face the sufferings directly, they are not interested to take part in State issues, he said and added that meira paibee movement was mainly initiated by illiterate women who are keen to work for Manipur.

Leisemba also urged all these three sections of women to unite together in State issues.

Lamenting that Manipuri society is currently experiencing slow death, Leisemba observed that women must take active role in saving the society from such peril.

In order to fend off different forms of oppression, people of Manipur must unitedly fight for self sustainibility, he added.

Leisemba said, women of Manipur must follow the footprints of the late imas (mothers) who fought against all types oppressions and suppressions.

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