Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 04 2010:
A State level workshop on the theme of 'Violence against women in Manipur', which would go on for three days, has begun from today at the conference hall of the Institute of Co-operative Management, Lamphelpat.
The workshop is being organised by Manipur State Commission for Women and is being sponsored by the Social Welfare Department, Govt of Manipur.
The inaugural function of the workshop was attended by MLA O Landhoni Devi as chief guest and Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women Dr L Ibetombi Devi as president.
Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Corporation Limited AK Mirabai Devi, former member of Manipur State Commission for Women Lhingjaneng Gangte, former Dean of Social Sciences, Manipur University Prof Ksh Bimola Devi and Borkeshore of ICM were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.
Speaking at the occasion, Landhoni observed that women are being subjected to various forms of violence in the family and the society and women who have position in the society are not spared.
So there is the need to understand why such violence are taking place and what women should do to protect themselves.
She also proposed that similar workshops should also reach out to women in rural areas who are more vulnerable.
Prof Bimola pointed out that violence against women in the family and the society may be taking place since time immemorial.
But in Manipur, the existing armed conflict, the problem of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS have compounded the situation.
AK Mirabai said that violence against women cannot be stopped until and unless the understand their rights and fight against it.
Manipuri women are yet to be empowered politically, economically and socially and they have not been able to take part in the decision making process of the State.
Various laws have been enacted in India to empower women.
But majority of the women still do not understand their rights and taking advantage of this ignorance violence are being perpetrated against them, she said.