Role of women lauded on International Women's Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 08 2022: To acknowledge the achievement of women in different fields and raise awareness about gender parity, the State celebrated International Women's Day in different places, today.

A rally was taken out in Imphal under the theme "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow" in connection with International Women's Day today.

The rally was organised by League of Women (LoW), Manipur in association with Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) .

The rally which was flagged off by Joint Director of MACS Dr Hemlata Thokchom from Nupilan Memorial Complex, proceeded towards Nityaipat Chuthek and concluded at Ima Keithel.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Hemlata Thokchom stated that LoW will observe the calendar event for five consecutive days under the sponsorship of MACS.

Taking advantage of the gathering, Dr Hemlata urged all unmarried women and pregnant ladies to go for HIV testing at different facilities of MACS or elsewhere.

Role of women lauded on International Women's Day

LoW secretary Tanuja Khumukcham stated that they will observe the day at different locations for five consecutive days.

The rally was held in a low key manner due to certain restrictions placed by the Deputy Commissioner concerned, she said.

A felicitation programme, honouring the women healthcare workers who assisted in Covid vaccination programme was also held at the conference hall of Directorate of Family Welfare Services at Old Assembly Road.

The programme was jointly organised by National Health Mission, Manipur, Directorate of Family Welfare Services and John Snow Inc Research & Training, India Foundation, USAID and Care India.

State Mission Director NHM Dr N Shyamjai, Additional Director Family Welfare Services Dr N Dihe Mao and State Immunisation Officer Dr T Manihar were the presidium members.

At the event, Dr T Manihar stated that the United Nations declared March 8 as International Women's Day in 1977 .

He continued that the contribution of women healthcare workers in combating the Covid pandemic and in administering Covid vaccine doses was immense.

Dr N Shyamjai, on the other hand, stated that over 70 percent of the State population are yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 .

Saying that the rate of vaccination is comparatively low in hill districts, he said that the State has about 20.48 lakh voters as per the CEO, Manipur and 23.41 lakh as per the projection of Registrar General of India.

The number of youth in the age bracket of 15-18 is 1.10 lakhs as per the Education (S) Department and 1.74 lakhs as per Registrar General of India, he said and added that the State has administered 80,000 Covid vaccine doses to this age group.

Later, Dr Shyamjai felicitated female doctors, nurses, para medical and other healthcare staff by presenting simple gifts.

As in other parts of the country, the Social Welfare Department and Manipur State Commission for Women observed the State level International Women's Day at Hotel Classic at North AOC under the theme "Gender equality today for sustainable tomorrow," today.

Social Welfare Director Ng Uttam, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes chairperson in charge Dr Tara Manchin Hangzo, Manipur State Commission for Women chairperson Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang and members T Chuongsin Koireng and L Dayabati attended the programme.

Ng Uttam opined that the rate of pre natal sex identification will be dropped considerably if the 'taboo' on married women helping their parents financially are removed.

Corrective measures should be taken up for certain gender based restrictions being placed by the social custom, he said and added that women participation in electoral politics should be increased to empower women.

It is unfortunate that there are only a handful of women legislators in Manipur, he said and claimed that laws and other legal provisions which were formulated to empower women are not implemented in letter and spirit.

Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) observed the day at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

At the observance, MHRC chairperson Khaidem Mani stated that women, especially in Manipur, are usually under the control of others throughout their lives.

Saying that women in Manipur, nonetheless, are known for their valour and active participation in social, political and cultural activities, K Mani continued that Nupi Lan of 1904 and 1939 and Nisha Bandh movement (ban on intoxicants) which began in 1975 are some of the notable contributions of Manipuri women to the society.

Meira paibi associations began another movement to remove AFSPA from Manipur in the 1980s, he added.

He also expressed concern over the rise of crime against women in Manipur .

The political system in Manipur has many lapses and the disregard of human rights was widespread at the time of election, he continued.

A discussion programme was also held on the topics "Role of women in conflict resolution" in the presence of Dr A Bimol Akoijam, Associate Professor at JNU Delhi and Dr Deben Bachaspatimayum, Coordinator, PINE & Visiting Faculty at NEISSF Nagaland with Khaidem Mani as moderator.

Commissioner (Law) Athokpam Nungshitombi and Advocate A Noutuneshwari Devi were also present.