Women educated on sexual reproductive health
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 16 2025: A one-day awareness programme on "Women's Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights" was held at Zeihkuluang community hall, at Zeihkuluang (Tokpa) village in Churachandpur district on Friday.

The programme was jointly organised By Rongmei Naga Luh Phwam and Manipur-Ntayphay Luangrian (RNLPM-NTL) under the sponsorship of Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) .

The programme attended by around 120 womenfolk from Aimol, Chiru, Kom and Rongmei communities residing in Loktak Project area was held with MSCW chairperson Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, members T Chuongsin Koireng and Sk Sophia Moyon, Manipur AIDS Control Society retired director Dr TR Kom, and RNLPM-NTL president Gaidimmeilu Golmei as the presidium members.

Resource persons of the technical session included advocate Jacky Lucy, Dr Changmei's Diet Clinic, Imphal proprietor Dr Changmei S Ningshen, and Nepolean Shaiza of PMFME .

In her keynote address, T Chuongsin Koireng stressed that women's sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are not just health concerns but fundamental human rights She said that women and girls must have the autonomy to make informed decisions about their bodies and future, free from stigma, violence and discrimination.

She also highlighted the role and functions of the Manipur State Commission for Women and shared information on how to access its services.

Deliberating on the importance of physical, mental, social and spiritual preparedness before marriage, Dr TR Kom said that the societal tendency to blame women for infertility is unfair and advised menfolk to undergo medical check- ups as well.

He further highlighted the need for proper nutrition, menstrual hygiene, and regular healthcare assessment to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Speaking on the occasion, MSCW chairperson Thumlip Monsang encouraged women to prioritise self-care before family and society, while urging women to take advantage of government services such as the women's commission, women's helpline, One-Stop Centre, and Shakti Sadan.

During the technical session, advocate Jacky Lucy discussed legal provisions including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), the Pre-Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in the context of women's reproductive health and rights.

Dr Changmei S Ningshen described balanced diet and locally available nutritious food as key to women's health.

She discouraged consumption of junk and ready-to-eat foods and advocated early diagnosis and consultations with health professionals while Nepolean Shaiza dealt with various welfare and development schemes including the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PM Vishwakarma, and initiatives under agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and veterinary sectors.

He also encouraged women to form Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations.

Sanitary pads and seeds for kitchen garden planting were distributed to the participants.

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