Stakeholders discuss ground issues and challenges faced by women in Kamjong
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2025: A one-day consultative meeting on "Ground Issues and Challenges of Women" was jointly organised by the Manipur State Commission forWomen(MSCW) and the One Stop Centre (OSC), Kamjong, at the Conference Hall of the SDO Office, Kamjong district, on Wednesday.

Sponsored by the MSCW, the programme aimed at raising awareness and identifying ground-level issues and challenges faced by women in Manipur, particularly in Kamjong district.

The meeting was attended by Th Tiningpham Monsang, chairperson, MSCW; T Chuongsin Koireng, member, MSCW; and HL Jain, ADM Kamjong, as presidium members.

Delivering the keynote address, MSCW chairperson, Th Tiningpham Monsang elaborated on the statutory role of the Commision in safeguarding women's rights and promoting their welfare across the State.

She highlighted the Commission's role in addressing complaints related to violence, discrimination and denial of entitlements, while stressing the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment.

She underlined that equal participation and shared responsibilities of all genders within the family are fundamental to building a just and progressive society.

Addressing the gathering, ADM Kamjong HL Jain stated that men are not inferior to women and that both genders are equally important contributors to society.

He emphasized that a progressive society can be achieved only when women are educated, independent and self-reliant.

Resource person T Chuongsin elaborated on the various forms of violence against women, explaining that violence is not limited to physical abuse alone.

She highlighted that violence and abuse can take multiple forms, including physical, emotional or psychological, economic, sexual, social, digital, domestic, and institutional abuse, helping participants develop a broader understanding of the issue.

The discussion also highlighted that many challenges faced by women stem from the patriarchal nature of society, when men are often regarded as primary decision-makers.

Social expectations often compel women to remain silent and endure abuse, leading to underreporting due to fear, stigma, lack of awareness and concerns about further violence.

It was noted that the absence of reported cases does not necessarily indicate the absence of violence.

Civil society members emphasized the need to organise similar awareness programmes for both men and women to educate the entire community.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by MK Chanchuila, Central Administrator of the One Stop Centre, Kamjong.

Around 100 participants from the Tangkhul and Kuki communities, including government employees, women's organisations, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, SHGs, OSC staff and NGO representatives, attended the meeting.

Comment