Imphal, August 25: A discussion programme with the basic objective to form a network between various stakeholders and the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) was held today at Bal Bhavan, Khuman Lampak under the aegis of MSCW.

The programme was presided by MSCW Chairperson Dr Jamini.

Addressing the programme, Dr Jamini highlighted the importance of an effective network between the Manipur State Commission for Women and various stakeholders located in different parts of the State.

The proposed network assumes greater significance considering the various forms of violence suffered by women in the family and society at large.

She stressed on the necessity for effective coordination among the stakeholders and the MSCW so that violence against women is minimised and to take up redressing measures when a violence is committed against a woman.

Dr Jamini called upon all the stakeholders, the Manipur State Commission for Women, Meira Paibis, NGOs and educated employed women to plug in communication gaps and address the apparent misunderstanding.

General secretary of Senior Citizens For Society L Sadananda noted that though the condition of women in the male dominated Manipuri society appears to be better, in reality the position of women still remains secondary.

Instead of complaining to the authority, Manipuri women have been silently tolerating the violence they suffer in their daily life, he remarked.

Rather than blaming their fates, women should make complaints and stand up to face the challenge boldly, Sadananda asserted.

Sitara Begum of the United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation appealed to the MSCW to set up counselling centres for women victims of domestic violence and other forms of violence committed outside the family in different parts of the State.

She also mooted awareness programmes for Meira Paibis under the initiative of MSCW.

S Iboton of the Child Welfare Ashram Jiribam observed that the condition of women in Jiribam is worse off.

Social activists Rose Mangshi Haokip compared that the condition of women in the valley is better off than those in the hills.

To a certain extent, women in the valley can make complaints against the violence they suffered but in the hills women never make complaints and are silently bearing all kinds of injustice done to them.

In fact, they have accepted such injustices as a way of their life, she asserted.

Rose Mangshi advocated empowerment of women in social, economic and political fronts in order to bring about a peaceful and progressive society in Manipur.

Moreover, it is crucial for women to have confidence and self-esteem.

The discussion programme was attended by leaders of various organisations based in different parts of the State.

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