International Women's Day (IWD)
- Imphal, 7th March 2025 :: Women Action for Development (WAD) -

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As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD), this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action” calls for urgent and transformative efforts to close gender gaps and challenges that hinder women’s progress.

Throughout history, Manipuri Women have been at the forefront of resilience, leadership, and resistance. From the leaders of Nupi Lal and Meira Paibis, who continue to lead social and political movements, to the Ima Keithel, one of the world’s largest all-women market places. Manipuri women had long stood as symbols of economic independence and collective power.

The Historical Nupi Lan of 1904 and 1939 saw courageous Manipuri Women rise against British colonial rule, demanding political justice, social Justice and economic rights. Their sacrifices and determinations laid the foundation for women’s active role in social justice movements even today. The symbolic struggle of women in Manipur and struggles of 16 years by Irom Chanu Sharmila against AFSPA protect the political space for the movement of women.

However, having said so, living under a patriarchal structure, it perpetuates gender inequalities, which are further exuberated in regions like Manipur, experiencing conflict and high numbers of IDPs. Women and girls, in these settings face heightened risks of gender-based violence and limited access to essential services. For instance, over 600 million women and girls are currently affected by war, a 50% increased from a decade ago, with a corresponding rise in conflict-related sexual violence.

Additionally, the unique challenges faced by displaced women and girls often remained unaddressed due to insufficient gender-disaggregated data, leading to inadequate support and protection measures. These conditions underscore the critical need for gender responsive interventions in conflict and displacement scenarios.

In the face of conflict, displacement, and adversity, the women of Manipur remain unshaken pillars of strength, protectors of cultures and advocates for peace, democracy and rule of law. Their history is not just one of struggle but of victory, proving time and again that society flourishes when our mothers and sisters rise and lead.

Although, it is significant to further highlight the cases of Violence/Crime against Women and Children in Manipur during the ongoing conflict. The data from the local newspapers underscores the urgent need for targeted intervention to protect women.

Reported cases of Violence/ Crime against women and Children in Manipur recorded from local newspaper from 1st January to 30th December 2024.

MANIPUR VIOLENCE 2024

Reported cases of Violence/Crime against Women and Children in Manipur during Conflict recorded from local newspaper from 1st January to 31st December 2024.

WAD would like to take the opportunity to honor the Strength of the internally Displaced Women, Men and Children and those women who sacrifice their lives in the conflict in Manipur on International Women’s Day.

To the women, men and children who have endured the profound hardship of displacement, today on International Women’s day, we salute your resilience, your courage and your unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

For the women, mothers, sisters, daughters and leaders, you have borne the weight of loss, yet you continue to nurture, organize and rebuild. You have kept families together, fought for dignity and upheld traditions even in the most difficult circumstances. Your strength is the foundation of survival and renewal.

For the men, your role in ensuring the safety, stability and recovery of your families and communities is invaluable. In times of crisis, your actions in standing beside women, advocating for peace and fostering unity define the strength of a just and equal society.

For the children, displaced but never defeated, your laughter’s, curiosity and dreams is a reminder of why building is not just necessary but urgent. You present the hope of a future where no child grows up amidst conflict and instability.

To every displaced individual in Manipur, your endurance is not just a testament to survival rather it is an inspiration to change. We honour you with not just words but with a renewed commitment to advocating for your rights, amplifying your voices, and working towards a future where no one is forced from their home again.

WAD with due respect urge His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur, including all the stakeholders to give attention to the suffering of women as matter of urgency. WAD further calls His Excellency to provide justice to the women survivors whose husbands and sons were executed under the ongoing conflict including AFSPA.

Since its inception in 1910, International Women’s Day has been observed globally to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. The United Nations began officially recognizing this day in 1975, designating annual themes to address various issues affecting women. Despite these longstanding efforts, significant challenges persist in achieving the objectives outlined in international laws aimed at protecting and empowering women.

These further raise concerns about the UN’s capacity to meet its Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The UN’s limited capacity to effectively intervene conflicts across the world made the whole point of humanitarian objectives meaningless time and again. Therefore, there is a need for a critical reassessment of UN’s strategies and the implementation of more robust mechanisms to uphold women’s rights globally.

Ongoing global conflicts have severely undermined fundamental human rights, notably the right to life, with vulnerable populations, including infants, children, suffering horribly. For instance, the brutal killing of a 8 months old baby boy, 8 years old girl and a 3 years old boy, found at Barack river on November, 2024. Such incidents underscore the profound humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict, highlighting the urgent need for national and international protective measures.

Therefore, on this International Women’s day, it is high time we come into constructive grassroots dialogues and certain forms of movements to address the ongoing conflict. By actively involving women in peace-building efforts, we can lay a foundation for lasting peace and equality.

Last but not the least; WAD extends our heartfelt solidarity to all women in Manipur who are enduring hardships of conflict. As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to advocating peace, equality and protection of women’s rights.

, Sobita Mangsatabam
Secretary,
WAD, Women Action for Development