TODAY -

Status of Manipuri Meitei Pangal (Muslim) women & challenges ahead
- Part 1 -

Henna Tarannum Khan, M S Khan and M Ahmed *

Manipuri Meitei Pangal (Muslim) women Shopping for Id-ul-Fitr at Khwairamband Ima Keithel on July 17 2015
Manipuri Meitei Pangal (Muslim) women Shopping for Id-ul-Fitr at Khwairamband Ima Keithel on July 17 2015 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam



The courage of Manipuri women is well known all over the world. The contribution she has made in every field through the ages is being recorded and we are proud of this. Be it the Nupilal or the Meirapaibi movement the quantity of contribution our ladies are making to the society is not less than that of the men. The Meitei lady has tradition of being the bread earners of the family.

The same may not be true for every family. In case of Meitei pangal (Muslims), women do not earn the living to that extent like the women of other communities in Manipur. But Muslim women help for the household duties/chores in their respective homes. Inspite of their contributions in their families the status of Manipuri women particularly Muslims is considered to be very low.

Both the status of men and women is sought to be at the same level for a developed society. To study and discuss the present status of Manipuri Muslim women and finding ways and means for their improvement is highly needed. We collectively need to devise policy, program with due deliberations especially for Muslim women taking into account the acceptable ways of religion.

Islamic religion does not discourage women education; it does not advocate that women should remain indoors only. Rather Islam advocates clear cut role of an educated and responsible mother. It is high time women themselves should find out what are the acceptable ways and how to take the responsibility in nation building the part that is expected from them. Society in general should encourage and facilitate such initiative by women groups. The status of Muslim women in Manipur can be discussed in three broad categories. The categories are Educational Social and Economic status.

The aim of this article is to study the present status of Manipuri Muslim Women and bring out the challenges ahead.

Educational Status:

The importance of education for developing a society need not be elaborated. To create an educated society the role of women and requirement of their education is well known. If the future mother of the society is not educated, how can we think of an educated society? Thus for a well educated Manipuri Muslim society the education of Muslim women is an important part of this write-up.

This point cannot be neglected at all. Let us see, what is the present status of education among the Manipuri women?

Table 1: The comparative educational status (%) (MOBC, Manipur, 2004)
SL.No    Category        Percentage
(a)     Muslim Female        41.6%
(b)     Female (state as a whole)        60.5%
(c)     Muslim Male        75.0%
(d)     Male (State as a whole)        80.3%

Factors Responsible For Low Percentage of Education among Muslim Women

There are several factors for the lack of education among the Manipuri Muslim Women. The main reasons are-

(a) Wrong perception: There used to be wrong perception in respect of modern education among the Muslims throughout India in the early 16th and 17th century. It was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who mobilized Indian Muslims for modern education. Numbers of religious scholars were against his movement of modern education.

The same perception that Muslim women should remain at home just to become an obedient housewife and to look after the household activities were prevalent in Manipur till early twentieth century. There were admission problems of girls in the modern schools. In one instance one brother went to court against one particular school in 1970 for not allowing his sister's admission. There were only two girl students in pre-university course when Lilong Haoreibi College the only college in Muslim concentrated area of Manipur was established.

Thus there is perception that education by girl students will go against the purda system. It was believed that free mixing of girls with boys will affect the religion and there is no requirement for a girl to earn higher educational degrees as she does not require going out of the house. This thinking leads to casual attitude towards girls' education.

Generally the education of girls was restricted to enable her read and write only. Most of the girls drop out at the matriculation level of education. Nowadays there is a slight change in the old thinking. There is a realization in the importance of girls' education.

The role of a mother in the future of a child and the future of a society is well understood. The influence of a mother to a child is more pronounced than the influence of a father. Thus, for a better well educated society we need to acquire well educated mothers. Although, the old perception has been changed the educational preference of girls comparing boys in Muslim Society of Manipur is still less.

Education is not only for going out of the home and leading a public life. Education is for earning knowledge. The knowledge can be used in every walk of life. Without or proper education of a mother how can we expect an educated child. The foundations of child are built up in his early days at home. The role of mothers and their influence to their children is very seriously taken.

How can we expect a good foundation of the child from an illiterate mother? Thus the casual attitude towards education of women and the wrong perception that education of girls is against the principles of Islam. Education of women should be totally improved to make an educated Manipuri Muslim Society and progressive Manipur society as a whole.

(b) Child labour: Secondly, the girls are always given to carry out household activities in her early childhood. Right from early stage in her childhood a girl was used to tell that she should be responsible for household work, thus, she is engaged in the household task. Her brother could be playing or studying but she will be negotiated to do household jobs.

Helping her mother in her daily household work in appropriate time when she is not studying is not bad, but what is bad is she has to give up her study time for doing household works. If a girl can wash her dish why cannot her brother too do the same?

Every member of the family can equally share the household jobs. Who has defined/assigned the drudgery work for the girl? Thus, the education of a girl child is affected due to this irresponsible tradition.

Another very disturbing truth is about employing these little angels as vegetable hawkers at some markets of Manipur. Early in the morning while her brother is on his study table, these lesser human beings are negotiating the price of vegetables in the market. It is total exploitation of the girl children by their parents as a child labour.

If we look into their family closer we will find the fathers of these girls wasting their time in local tea shops gossiping away to glory. Why cannot the father take the responsibility of selling vegetables and let their daughter be in the study table as her brother.

Therefore, employing a girl child for household activity and as vegetable hawker in the critical time of study should be stopped.

to be contd...


* Henna Tarannum Khan, M S Khan and M Ahmed wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao
This article was posted on December 12, 2015.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025