Imphal, March 08, 2010: The world observed the 100th International Women's Day today with various events and discussions on the rights of women and their social status organised by many organisations particularly women based organisations.

The observance functions were organised by All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMWVA) at Ema Khundhokhanbi, DM College campus, Association of Professional Social Workers at Changangei Uchekon and United NGO Mission Manipur, Women Committee at Kakching Khunou with a mass rally and Women NGO Forum Manipur at Manipur Press Club.

The two day observance function of the Manipur State Commission for Women also concluded today.

With a mass rally participated mostly by women of different age ranges, the United NGO Mission Manipur, Women Committee observed the day at Kakching Khunou with a public meeting at Popular Hall there.

The rally was participated by the women representatives across the districts.

Speaking on the occasion secretary of Wungreiwon K Shimray said that even though the country is preparing for the reservation of 33 percent seats for the women in the parliament and state assemblies, women in the far flung areas of the state are not getting the voting rights till date.

Exploring a different view on the women in the context of the state, he said in the valley area, 33 percent seats are reserved for the women in panchayat bodies but there is no provision of keeping reserved seats for the women in the election to the Autonomous District Council for the hill districts.

A concerted effort of the women is needed for getting equal rights with their male counterparts, he went on to observe.

Secretary of Chandel District Centre for Women and Girls, Habin Haokip while relating the story of untold miseries suffering by the women of the Chandel district inflated by the militancy said that villagers of most of the villages in the district are facing displacement due to the armed conflict between security forces and armed insurgent outfits.

The most suffered group in the process is the women.

Speaking at the observance function organised by the AMWVA, Th Iboyaima of Irabot Foundation observed that it is the bounden duty of the man-folk to respect the women and uplift their status in the society.

For achieving the goal of every movement, a concerted effort of both women and men are needed.

It will be better to translate into work instead of remaining shouting for equal rights and status of women in the society with men, observed Dr M Kriti former director of Educaiton (U) who spoke at the observance function organised by the Women NGOs Forum Manipur at Manipur Press Club.

He further observed that in the state there is little knowledge among the people on the rights of the women.

Widespread awareness programme is very must, he added.

The Association of Professional Social Workers also observed the day with a function at Anganwadi Training Centre, Changangei Airport Road under the theme �Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities and Progressive for All�.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup also observed the day with L Ibeyaima, M Sakhi, A Lala, A Sanahanbi, P Nandini and Nabaguni in the dice of the function held at Irawat Bhavan.

Speakers in the observance function welcomed the Women Reservation Bill tabled in the house of the Parliament today.

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