Impacts of gender based violence highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, December 12 2023: A one-day district level consultation programme on 'Gender based violence' was held today at Eikhoigee Pothasang complex, Wangjing organised by the Integrated Rural Development Service Organisation (IRDSO), Wangjing.

Delivering the keynote address, women activist and IRDSO chief functionary, Nonibala Narengbam highlighted that women and children are adversely affected whenever there is a crisis or an unrest.

Stating that gender based violence are any form of harm or crime carried out against any individuals based on their gender, she maintained that gender based violence are more common among women and adolescent girls in particular.

Such crimes or violence are gross violations of human rights, she added.

In context with the prevailing conflict situation in the State, Nonibala stressed on the immense suffering experienced by the people of Manipur, especially the women and children who are in a vulnerable state.

People residing at the foothills and the peripheral remote areas are living under the constant threat of being attacked thereby putting their life at risk, she said.

Considering the current tense situation in the State, she underscored the importance of the role of women to collectively fight against the perpetrators trying to disrupt the unity and integrity of Manipur.

The chief functionary of IRDSO further informed, 'Ever since the eruption of tragic communal violence since May, 11 cases related to violence against women and children were reported in Thoubal district alone till the end of July' .

Expressing concern that women are being subjected to various forms of violence raising concern on the security of women in today's society, she appealed to all the victims of gender violence to speak up rather than hiding it.

In today's consultation programme, Legal cum Probation officer, DCPU, Thoubal, Reena Moirangthem spoke on 'The impacts of forced and early marriage' while Thoubal District Police Additional SP (LO) N Suraj spoke on 'The role of Police in preventing gender based violence' .

It may be noted the consultation programme was held with the support from the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) in line with the United Nations ongoing campaign to end violence against women and girls.

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