Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 8 (EMN): Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said women in the region have grown up in a more liberal society, facing less hostile challenges unlike in a male dominant environment. Dr Najma Heptulla said this while addressing the International Women’s Day function at Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Thursday.
The governor during the function lauded the various organisations and women’s associations for their relentless efforts towards fighting against anti-social evils against women in the state.
Highlighting the achievements of achievers such as weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and boxer Mary Kom, she said that women of the state are leading in all spheres and have earned recognitions too in the national as well as international levels, be it sports or in any fields or professions.
Citing Ima Keithel as a clear example of the economic independence of women in Manipur, she said, they have had more economic independence, even supporting the family without help from the male members.
Sixteen women from different parts of the state were honoured during the day’s observation.
In her speech, Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen stressed on this year’s theme - “Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives” while expressing that women should be empowered in all settings, rural and urban, and celebrate the activists who are working tirelessly to claim women’s rights and realise their full potential.
The agenda behind celebrating the day is to empower the women who have gone through number of hurdles all through her life be it their social, political, religious, and cultural rights simultaneously.
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Karam Shyam, Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Cooperation Samurailatpam Satyabhama Devi attended the occasion as Special Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
There are also reports of observing the day at many places.
