'Women empowerment, equality' call rung out on IWD
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, March 08 2025: Department of Social Welfare observed International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 with an awareness cum interaction programme on Women's Schemes under the theme 'For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment' at the Old DC Complex, Bishnupur on Saturday.

The programme was attended by Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam as chief guest and deputy director (women programme) Binobala Nongmeikapam as president, joint director Jiteshor Keisham and Old DC Complex, near Loukoipat relief camp nodal officer M Bilkee.

Ng Uttam highlighted the vital role of women in society, stressing that they are not confined to household duties but contribute meaningfully in various fields.

He urged awareness of resources like the 181 helpline and One Stop Centres, which assist women facing abuse, while noting that fear of social judgment often prevents them from seeking help.

Emphasizing that empowerment means equality, not competition, he also addressed challenges like human trafficking and exploitation.

Uttam warned against fraudulent job schemes preying on the vulnerable and advised careful verification before engagement.

He called for collective efforts to create a balanced, empowered society where both genders are treated equally and protected from social and economic threats.

During the technical session, Binobala Nongmeikapam spoke on 'Women Schemes Implemented by the Social Welfare Department; District Bar Council, Bishnupur president Wahengbam Lata on 'The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005'; women helpline administrator (social welfare) G Ravi Sharma on 'Women Helpline (181) and the One Stop Centre' ICDS Project, Bishnupur child development project officer Thounaojam Kamala on 'Prad-han Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)' .

Meanwhile, IWD 2025 was observed by Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) on the theme 'Accelerate Action' at the auditorium hall, Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek on Saturday.

Speaking as chief guest, MAHUD and IPR director Ng Uttam noted that large-scale Women's Day programmes were halted for two years due to the state's situation, with this year's event held separately at different locations.

He emphasized the urgency of accelerating action for gender equality, equal rights, and women's empowerment.

Applauding the MSCW team for their dedication despite budget and resource constraints, he assured that with support, they could overcome challenges.

Uttam urged women to be torchbearers of empowerment, inspiring others nationwide by showcasing the rights and freedoms enjoyed by women in the Northeast.

MSCW chairperson Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang; member Lourembam Dayabati Devi; member T Chuonsin Koireng; member SK Sophia Moyon, and member secretary W Phajatombi Devi also attended the observance as president and guests of honour respectively.

Officials of MSCW were also present at the event.

Felicitation of women achievers from different fields namely reverend Apila Thangal, Sorokhaibam Bidyarani Devi, Anwari Noorjahan, Seram Nirupama Devi and Sr Maria Dilbung was also the main highpoints of the day's function.

Chandel district administration in collaboration with the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) Cell and District Hub for Empowerment of Women Chandel, organised the IWD under the theme 'Together, Let's Accelerate Action for Gender Equality' at Multipurpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Chandel on Saturday.

Senapati district administration in collaboration with Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), Senapati; One Stop Centre, Senapati; Nehru Yuva Kendra, Senapati and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Senapati observed IWD under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) at Apfii Saliki (Women's market), Senapati on Saturday.

The observance began with Senapati DC Mamoni Doley inaugurating the Breast Feeding Corner at Apfii Saliki for women to breastfeed their wards privately and comfortably at the market.

Earlier, the Senapati DC accompanied by ADM Rang David Kung and other district officials inspected the wall painting by students on BBBP campaign.

IWD was observed by Noney district administration in collaboration with ICDS Cell, District Social Welfare Office and One Stop Centre, Noney at NG Memorial Hall, Longmai Bazar, Noney district headquarter on Saturday.

As a part of the programme, sanitary pads were distributed to school girls and women.

IWD was observed in a grand manner at DC Office Complex, Jiribam on Saturday with Jiribam DC Krishna Kumar as chief guest.

As part of BBBP Scheme, various girls and women were feted with certificates, cash awards and gifts for their outstanding contributions in the field of social service, law and order, health care, banking, education etc.

Besides, lactating mothers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, media persons were also felicitated with cash prizes.

During the programme, awards were distributed to winners of essay writing competition organised in connection with BBBP programme and girl toppers of government schools.

IWD, 2025 was observed at the DC Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur under the theme 'For All women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment' on Saturday.

The celebration was organised by Bishnupur district administration and District ICDS Cell, Bishnupur to honour the achievements and contributions of women and was attended by Bishnupur DC Lourembam Bikram.

As part of the IWD observance, Mahila Sabha (women's assembly) was conducted at various Gram Panchayats (GPs) under Kakching district on Saturday.

Speakers during the meeting discussed the importance of celebrating the day, stressing that concerted efforts are needed to recognise contributions made by women and advocate for gender equality.

Discussing on various agendas, the speakers also raised awareness about gender disparities and encouraged actions to create a more inclusive society.

The Mahila Sabha was jointly organised in collaboration with the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) and the Village Level Federations promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which is a flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Rural Development that aims to reduce poverty in rural India by focusing on promoting self-employment and organisation of rural poor.

The district administration Tamenglong in collaboration with Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Cell, One Stop Centre (OSC) and the District Social Welfare Department also observed the Day with the theme 'Accelerate Action', which aimed to empower women and raise awareness about the ongoing battle against drug abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) initiative.

The observance began with a rally from Haipou Jadonang Park to Apollo ground, drawing a diverse crowd that included DC Dr Angshim Dangshawa, SDO D Meidinbui, additional SP Josiah T Pamei, ZEO N Abonpou Christopher, members of the Joint Tribes Council, Women Wing, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, CRPF, police personnel, school students and members of the general public.

A panel discussion featuring influential women leaders was also held on the occasion.

CMO Tamenglong Dr G Majachunglu spoke on topic 'The role of women in the fight against drug abuse' .

Hearty Samro Panmei, a junior engineer at PHE Tamenglong division, presented a talk on 'Woman of Faith' urging Christians to set the examples as the 'Salt of the Earth' and 'Light of the World'.

Former ADC member Ramning Pame talked on 'Participation of women in legislation' .

Comment