International Women's day observed all over
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 08 2011:
Giving a clarion call to all the women for carrying the struggle forward, Manipur today joined the rest of the world in observing the 8th International Women's Day.
The event was observed by various organisations in different parts of the State.
The theme was this year's observance was, 'Let us carry the struggle forward' .
Kanglei Chanura Chaokhat Lamching Lup (Kangleichall), Kangleipak observed the day along with a seminar at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
Speaking as chief guest of the observance, MLA of Wabagai Assembly Constituency Dr Usham Deben pointed out that International Women's Day and its observance would have no meaning if the womenfolk in the society could not think what is good for themselves.
So, womenfolk should study the pros and cons of their action.
All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj president K Taruni, who attended the function as one of the guests of honour, lamented that Manipuri women have been at the forefront of various issues yet they have been subjected to various atrocities in the guise of imposing Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
It is also equally reprehensible that inspite of what is happening around them today, there are some women are comprising their virtue with non-local men in Bazar area in the name of earning their livelihood, Taruni said, while warning against tarnishing the image of Manipuri women and belittling their courage.
Presided over by Kangleichall president Th Ayangleima, Kabui Mothers' Association president Kakom Lungloo Kamei was also present and spoke as one of the guests of honour of the function.
In the seminar session held under the theme of role of Meira Paibis in Manipuri society, senior journalist Kangujam Madhumangol was the moderator while social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, senior journalist Brozendra Ningomba and vice president of IPSA E Johnstone presented papers as resource persons.
All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) observed the Day along with a function at MDU Hall, Yaiskul Police lane.
Irabot Foundation president Th Iboyaima and Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup president L Memchoubi and AMAWOVA president Chongtham Ongbi Usharani attended the observance function as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Delivering the key note address, AMAWOVA general secretary W Ibema observed that International Women's Day is a day for the women, specially in Manipur, to take a more stronger decision and stand to carry forward the struggle of protecting the society and its people from various violence and atrocities.
Today, Manipuri women need to stay more alert and work collectively towards bringing about changes in the society, economically, politically and socially, so that there is equality between man and woman in every sphere, Ibema exhorted, adding that Manipuri women need to take even more proactive role towards restoring peace in the society.
In any conflict situation, it is the woman who suffered the most and the Manipuri women are no exception to this, she added.
Kabui Mothers' Association president Aluna Kamsong observed that constant interaction and opinion sharing between the hills and the valley people should be encouraged and facilitated in usher in peace and harmony in Manipur.
Manipur State Legal Services Authority observed the day at the district and session court complex at Uripok with All Manipur Bar Association president S Brajabihari as chief guest, All Manipur Lady Advocates' Association vice president K Manorama as guest of honour and Manipur Legal Services Authority member secretary Ph Surendra as functional president.
At the occasion, retired judge Th Surbala spoke on the topic of 'sexual harassment in work places and preventive measures'; district and session judge Manipur west K Bipinchandra on 'right to inheritance of women and crime against women' and advocate L Kiranbala on 'protection of women
from domestic violence' .
All Manipur Democratic Women's Association (AMDWA) observed the International Women's Day at Paona auditorium, 3rd floor, Abethoi Korea Market today with Chairperson of Manipur State Social Welfare Board RK Nayansana as chief guest and president of AMDWA Y Romola Devi as functional president.
Retired District and Session Judge Kh Gomati Devi and principal of Standard Robarth Higher Secondary School Ph Landhoni Devi were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.
In connection with the International Women's Day observance, a 3-day long Women Expo, 2011 being organised by Department of Social Welfare, Govt of Manipur has also inaugurated from today at the premises of DC office complex, Lamphelpat.
Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Corporation AK Mirabai cut the ribbon to inaugurate the expo.
Director of Social Welfare G Satyabati Devi, Deputy Director L Shyama, Joint Director K Sanajaoba and Chairperson of Manipur State Social Welfare Advisory Board RK Nayansana were also present at the inaugural of the expo.