Gender policy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 20 2023:
The State Government is working to enact a gender policy, according to Social Welfare Director Ngangom Uttam.
Uttam was speaking at the inaugural session of a 10-day National workshop on "Capacity Building of Women Managers in Higher Education" at NG College, Lamphelpat.
The workshop is being jointly organised by NG College Research and Development Cell, Council of Educational Administration and Management (CEAM) and Directorate of University and Higher Education.
Although there are many challenges, the State Government has been working hard to enact a gender policy, Ngangom Uttam said.
Enrolment of female students in higher education is still lower than males but this does not mean the status of women is inferior, he said.
Generally Manipuri women have been taking pro-active roles in all major issues of the State since the historical past but some women's roles are limited to those of a home-maker, he remarked.
As demanded by the fast developing world, it is essential to change the outlook and perspective of these women, said the Social Welfare Director.
He said that the number of high ranking women officers would rise considerably after some years.
In her key-note address, CEAM Manipur Chapter president Prof Th Asha Sinha said that participation of women academicians in the university system, specially at the management is low and male culture still prevails.
She said that it is essential to build a critical mass of trained women, competent to hold senior administrative positions.
To meet the challenge, it is necessary to offer training programmes to women in higher education for capacity building to become managers in order to participate in policy and decision making, ensuring gender sensitivity in governance and administration of the university, Prof Asha Sinha said.
The inaugural session was also attended by NG College Principal Ashok Roy and Prof RK Rajeshwari of Oriental College.
Gender equality relates to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men, girls and boys.