Ukhrul, Kamjong celebrate International Women's Day
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, March 08 2025: Ukhrul and Kamjong districts marked International Women's Day on Saturday, commemorating 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.

In Ukhrul, the event was held at the DRDA Hall under the theme "Accelerate Action," - organised by the district administration in collaboration with the ICDS Ukhrul district programme officer, the One Stop Centre (OSC-Ngayin Shim), and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women.

Attending the celebration as chief guest Ukhrul DC Ashish Das stressed the need for collective efforts to empower women and promote gender equality, urging the denizens of the district to create a safe environment where women feel secure to venture out.

Ukhrul, Kamjong celebrate International Women's Day

OSC Ukhrul central administrator Chonchuirinmayo Luithui Pherei welcomed attendees and noted that the BBBP campaign aims to raise awareness and enhance the effectiveness of welfare services for women, and also highlighted efforts of the department staff in reaching out to internally displaced persons in various locations of the district.

The OSC also distributed multilingual pamphlets outlining available services for women and girls, along with postcards advocating for their safety and providing essential helpline numbers.

In her keynote address, senior medical officer Dr Lucy Duidang Shaiza discussed the transformative impact of the BBBP scheme, since its launch by Prime Minister Modi on January 22, 2015, stating that it has significantly promoted girl child education and gender equality.

On the occasion, DC Das presented certificates of appreciation to Ukhrul Police Mahila and Soyam Foods in recognition of their exemplary roles in empowering women in the district.

The event also featured a piano recital by Shonchui Ngashangva and song performances by Soya Tamang and Chaminao Tamang.

Meanwhile, in Kamjong district, the celebration themed 'Move Forward: For All Women And Girls' was organised with the support of Kamjong DC Rangnamei Rang Peter at the Town Hall in Phungyar HQ.

Notable attendees included Phungyar sub-divisional officer Nimmi Azingwungshi Khamrang, gynaecology and obstetric specialist and nodal officer for maternal health at Kamjong District Hospital Dr Shangchungla Keishing, and various local leaders and community representatives.

Khamrang highlighted the history of the BBBP initiative and the importance of supporting the girl child through education, financial independence, and gender equality.

Dr Keishing discussed topics such as the PCPNDT Act and menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls, teaching proper hygiene practices.

Augustine Shokchui, from the OSC Kamjong, spoke on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, encouraging attendees to seek help through One Stop Centres and the Women Helpline.

The celebration also witnessed folk dances and songs performed by the ICDS Cell, Phungyar, and Shanao Long Phungyar.

During the event, sanitary pads were distributed to adolescents, along with pamphlets on the OSC, Women Helpline [181], and Child Helpline [1098] .

A tree plantation drive was also conducted to honour the occasion.

The event was coordinated by One Stop Centre's administrator MK Chanchuila, with support from the district administration, and collaboration from the ICDS Cell and the forest department.