Imphal: Chief Minister N Biren Singh today said the
government has been working hard to shape and transform the lives of women.
Speaking during the 15th foundation day of Manipur State
Commission for women held here today at Hotel Classic Grande Biren said women have been sacrificing their lives for the well being of the people.
He said the work and achievement of women have changed the socio-cultural life of the people. Providing security and assuring dignity to women have been a priority and the famed women’s market in Imphal made women self-reliant. Seven women’s markets were constructed and ten more markets will be constructed, he said.
Such a kind of market exclusively managed by women help in empowering women, he said. He cautioned parents to check what their children do to earn their livelihood in other cities. The government will help entrepreneurs and youths so that they need not go to other cities, he assured.
Manipur has been exporting organic products like pineapple, ginger,
black rice and Manipur topped in the list of micro-businesses in
the region he said. The government also provided loans to 7100 vendors, 94 per cent of whom were women to be self-reliant. The security of women is a top priority of the government hence women police stations were opened in all districts and anti-trafficking units opened. Immediately after taking charge as Chief Minister a 24-hour toll-free women helpline was opened, he said.
There was a time when women woke up all night holding a torch to
protect their family members, now it is not required, he added.
Binota Meinam, Chairperson of Manipur state commission for women said two conventions will be organized as part of the observation to discuss the socio-cultural, political conditions of women in
the northeast. Representatives of women commissions from other northeastern states will take part in the convention.
She said the northeast has a unique identity and life and traditions were different. Women’s participation in every activity was increasing but in the field of politics, the representation of women was less in the State Assemblies and Parliament she said.
In various decision-taking bodies representation of women was also less she reminded.
Women need to be motivated to take part in every affair of life and
governance and they are to be made aware that they are responsible for their growth, better gender equity she said. The Commission and other organizations need to do more works to make women aware of their potentials she added.
She said the need of the hour is gender unity in diversity in Indian
democracy and the full essence of women needs to be recognized. As part of the observation “women news horizon, Vol 5” and a song of the Commission were also released.
Prof N Lokendro Singh, VC of Manipur University said the northeast
has different languages, features and attitudes towards life was
different. Women face fewer restrictions compared to other parts
of the country.
Suresh Jain, Secretary, Bharat Vikas Parishad said torture and
harassment of women were rampant and it needs to be checked. Women did not enjoy many rights in Europe earlier and now the rights they enjoy are unthinkable in our country, he added. Women should be encouraged to know their rights and leadership, self confidence was key to fully utilize their talents he said.
Asholi Chalai, Joint Secretary, National Commission for Women said
women face different challenges and a rape case is reported in the
country every 16 minutes. India has become one of the most dangerous countries, he added.
Participation of women in decision-making bodies was less and women have been denied their birthrights he said. The evils of polygamy need to be looked into and registration of marriage will help women he said.
A Sharda, President BJP Manipur said women issues were solved by
various bodies in Manipur headed by the Queen and she reminded of the works which began in 33 AD by Queen Laisna and the struggle against the British empire in the form of Nupi Lan (women’s war). Women who join politics face lots of problems and some people even questioned the personal lives of women politicians she added. Various delegates from the state and other northeastern states attended the function which will conclude tomorrow.
