Fortnight long observance kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 25:
As in other parts of the globe, the International Fortnight Observation Protesting Violence Against Women has begun from today in Manipur under the aegis of Women Action for Development (WAD).
The inaugural function of the observance was held at the conference hall of Centre for Social Development here today with social worker Sitara Begum and WAD president as chief guest and functional president.
The International Fortnight Observation Protesting Violence Against Women is being observed from November 25 to December 10 every year since 1999 to protest violence against women like rape, molestation, assault, killing of women, dowry related death, female foeticide, discrimination and trafficking of women and girl.
In Manipur, the event would be observed starting from today till December 12 under the theme of 'Violence Against women and HIV/AIDS'.
Covering all the districts of Manipur, various programmes like gender sensitisation programme, poster campaign, awareness programme, penal discussion, painting competition would be carried during the observance.
All India Radio, Imphal would also relayed a phone-in programme in connection with the observance on December 3.Moreover, based on the reporting of print journalism on the issue of women in armed conflict and HIV/AIDS situation in Manipur, a Gender Journalist Award would be presented during the fortnight observance, according to secretary of WAD M Subita who gave the key note address of the inaugural function.
Expressing serious concern over increasing rate of crime perpetrated by security forces as well as underground organisation against women in Manipur today, Subita pointed out that since January to October this year, altogether 12 cases of rape, 12 cases of killing, 10 cases of molestation, 8 cases of suicide, 22 cases of assault, one case of woman burning to death, 6 cases of disappearance of women, besides another 26 complaints reported in the newspapers have been collected by the WAD.