Imphal: The Indian Army is actively involved in various initiatives to empower women in North Eastern States. Women have been the fulcrum of the society in the region since time immemorial. From cultivation to social, economic and social development, women have been driving the ethnic societies.
Through its focused and continued efforts, the Indian Army is promoting education, skill development, health and well-being, and economic empowerment of women in the region. These initiatives intend to create a more inclusive and gender-equal society.
Key Initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army in Nagaland, Manipur and Upper Assam regions like the conduct of Skill Development Programs are aimed at providing women with opportunities to acquire new skills and enhance their employability. Training in skills of Tailoring, Handicrafts, Computer Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Nursery Teachers Training enables women to become self-reliant and financially independent. Indian Army has empowered the women participants to pursue various career paths and generate income for themselves and their families.
In Nagaland, a Vocational Training Centre with equipment training has been established, Nursery Teachers Training (NTT) was also conducted for Women in Kohima District. In the areas of Upper Assam three projects aimed at women empowerment have been taken up which include providing sewing machines and upgrading of the Stitching Centre at Jagun and Pengri and one Multiutility Centre at Jugipather in Tinsukia district.
In Manipur, a Skill Development Centre at Senapati District and another project at Premnagar village in Kangpokpi District has been established. Apart from this, in collaboration with the State Handicraft Department, Women Empowerment initiative at Phougakchao in Bishnupur has also been initiated.
The Indian Army has organized health camps focused on women’s health. These are aimed to improve access to healthcare for women in remote areas of the state and raise awareness about health.
The Indian Army has also contributed to the rich legacy of women athletes of the region by providing opportunities and assistance in their budding stages by conducting Girl Inclusive Tournaments for Badminton in Assam and Manipur, Wushu Training and Championship in Manipur and a Volleyball Tournament in Nagaland. Recently Wushu player Miss B. Tamphasana Devi of Saitapur Kumbi village of Bishnupur, Manipur, who secured a bronze medal in Khelo India National Wushu Women League was sponsored by the Indian Army.
National Integration Tours conducted for Youth of the region, are inclusive and promote participation of young and dynamic girls from the region. In Four such tours out of a total of 94 participants, 50 girl students participated. The Women’s inclusive educational initiatives such as Pre Recruitment Training for the Army, Basic Computer Training, and lectures on career opportunities in the Armed forces are conducted at various places. By increasing access to education women in the region have been empowered to overcome barriers thereby paving the way for a brighter future for women and society at large, according to a press note from the PRO, Defence, Manipur, Nagaland and Southern Arunachal Pradesh.
