Women urged to change mindset for true empowerment
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 26 2024: Even as the central government has introduced various initiatives aimed at empowering women, the tangible impact on women's status in society remains limited, stated Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD & PR) Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) district mission manager Horeisung Khamrang.

"This is largely because of misinterpretations of the government's intentions and vision behind these initiatives," he observed while speaking as a resource person during an awareness programme on the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Ut-karsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) at the DRDA Hall of Mini-secretariat on Tuesday.

The programme was organised by Ukhrul district administration in collaboration with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Social Welfare, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), One Stop Centre (OSC), and MSRLM.

Addressing the participants, mostly women, on the theme 'Empowering Women Through Programmes and Policies', Khamrang emphasised the necessity for women to change their mindsets and align with the government's vision for true empowerment.

"Until our women change their mindset and embrace the vision of the government, no amount of schemes, programmes, and policies will do any good, " he said and encouraged the attendees not to view the government initiatives as any front-end financial support but rather as a means to address the deeper issues of poverty.

Reinforcing the importance of women's roles in the economy, Khamrang reiterated the government's commitment to recognising women as the backbone of the nation's economic framework.

He explained that the government has empowered women to establish self-help groups (SHGs) to enhance their economic and social activities, paving the way for their ultimate empowerment.

He informed that the intention behind the government's call for formation of SHGs is foster collaboration among women.

"The root cause of poverty can be addressed significantly when all women come together, support one another and create opportunities for mutual growth," he explained.

"The bottom line is equal prosperity for all individuals," Khamrang stressed, adding that this collective approach would pave the way for meaningful empowerment of women - leading to broader growth and progress of society.

In her welcome address, Ukhrul CDPO K Surjalata Shimray said that the programme was organised with an aim to raise awareness among local women about the available resources under DAJGUA.

She also called for active participation of local women in these initiatives, to help foster a collective effort towards women empowerment in the district.

As part of the programme, an interactive session was also held, allowing the participants to raise questions and clear their doubts regarding the initiatives under DAJGUA.

It may be recalled that PM Na'rendra Modi launched the DAJGUA scheme, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, on October 2 this year.

With a total outlay of Rs 79,156 crore, the scheme aims to cover around 63,843 villages benefiting more than 5 crore tribal people in 549 districts and 2,911 blocks spread across all tribal majority villages and aspirational blocks in 30 states/UTs.

DAJGUA envisions saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, livelihood, through 25 interventions implemented by 17-line ministries of Government of India by convergence and outreach; and ensures holistic and sustainable development of tribal areas and communities.

Comment