Imphal, March 13, 2010: Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) observed International Women's Day at Manipur Press Club here today.

The observance function was attended by Programme Director of District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Imphal West Dr RK Lakhsana Singh as chief guest, president of SASO K Birjit Singh as functional president and secretary of Women Action for Development M Subita as guest of honour.

Speaking as chief guest of the observance function held under the theme 'Equal rights, equal opportunity: Progress for all', Dr RK Lakhsana pointed out that normally women fail to understand their own rights.

But with the changes taking place in other parts of the world, they have started realising their potentials and many laws to safeguard their rights have also been enacted.

So the womenfolk should strive to understand their rights and demand for them.

Appreciating the Chaha project being taken up by SASO for the welfare of the children affected with HIV, Dr Lakhasana however, noted that since it is a funded project, it may be stopped when the fund is ceased.

So efforts should be made toward involving various Departments including the Education Department of the State for their continuous support to such children can be ensured.

In his presidential address of the function organised under the sponsorship of Indian HIV/AIDS Alliance, K Birjit Singh pointed out that inspite of various programmes being taken up to empower women and enhance their capacity building, women continue to be subjected to various atrocities in the family and the society and it is all the more so in case of women living with HIV.

In addition to the existing social stigma and discrimination against women in general, they are exposed to the second stigma and discrimination once they become HIV positive.

In such a situation, it would not be an easy task to ensure equal rights and equal opportunities and progress for all, he maintained.

M Subita, who attended the function as guest of honour said that it is no time for the women to shed tears over denial of their rights and opportunities.

Instead they should make use of their power, strength and intellect gifted by the almighty to fight for survival.

They should try to understand their rights and win them.

Women should not plea for their rights.

At the occasion, many resource persons also spoke on issues related to rights of women in the society.

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