Women's contributions noted on their day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 08 2016: Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee today observed the 'International Women's Day' at Congress Bhawan, BT Road with the theme 'Pledge For Parity' and conducted a one day brain storming session on 'Women and Law' .

Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and general secretary of All India Mahila Congress Committee (Manipur in-charge) Jarjum Ete, MPs, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and members of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee attended the function.

Congress workers, Adakshya members, elected members of local bodies also attended the observance function.

The Day is celebrated every year across the world.

Celebration of the International Women's Day dates back to the early 1900s when oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi in his speech.

International Women's Day being observed

Annually, on this very day thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements.

Organizing such observance programme by the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee must be appreciated, he added.

Further, he urged all the people to pledge for parity of women with men as the year's theme suggests.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that celebration of International Women's Day in the State should remove all forms of distance and gap between men and women in every aspect.

It is unfortunate that even though a number of laws and Acts are passed to protect the rights of women and children, women in particular are not aware of the benefits and protection provided by the Constitution.

He added that some years back the then Congress led Central Govt pushed forward the proposal of 33 percent reservation of women in employment and service sector as a matter of right.

Women should be empowered by giving equal rights and opportunity in local governance, he added But the BJP led Opposition, stood against the proposal which testifies that BJP is against development of women in India, he alleged.

They are also against the weaker, minority section of the society.

Further he said that virtue, beauty and power should be embraced and used for the betterment of the society as a whole and women should know the rights entrusted to them.

He proposed that when there is unity among women, fast pace development can be achieved.

Love and respect should be shown to women.

Jarjum Ete who is also a social activist commented that in Manipuri society, women play an important role in each and every field whether be it economy, removing social stigma or social reformation.

She showed her deepest regards and respects toward the women community of Manipur for launching the first ever all women war (Nupi Lan) during the British rule.

She further stated that even though women are highly regarded and respected in Manipur and other North Eastern States of India, crime against women continues which is of serious concern.

AIMCC will work to expose the wrong doings against women in the coming years, she added.

As part of the observance, Advocate Ng Tejkumar spoke on 'Women and Law' in the brain storming session.