IMPHAL, Nov 24: The 8th International Fortnight Observation Protesting Violence against Women, Girl and Children will kick start from November 25 at MDU which will continue till December12 under the theme ‘Structures of Violence; defining the intersections of militarism and violence against Women’.
Speaking during a press conference today Sobita Mangsatabam, general secretary Women Action for Development (WAD) and Co-Convenor, Women Committee, UNM-M stated that inaugural function will be organized by the United NGOs Mission-Manipur(UNM-M) an apex network body of various NGOs of Manipur representing many ethnic communities inhabiting the state and striving for a healthy and harmonious co-existence amongst the people of the state.
She appeal to all the men in the general, state and non-state actors to stop violence against women and girls and also appeal state government to protect and secure lives in conformity with the domestic and international laws.
There should be no politicization in responding violence against women, no threats to individuals, group or organizations who are working for the cause of most deprived and marginalized population especially women and children, Sobita observed and appeal to all the concern organization not to call bandh, strike and any kind of agitation during the fortnight observation.
She also said there has been numerous cases of human trafficking specially girls and minor boys apart from gender based violence inspite of which there has been no active and right response from the state and civil society actors towards the issue of gender base violence in Manipur.
The impact of drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, armed conflict, ethnic conflict, various developmental aggression resulting to displacement, migration have been giving a sever impact to women and girls especially on their production and reproductive areas, Sobita said.
The international fortnight observation will have various program including essay competition, blood donation camp at RIMS and JNIMS, sharing session on ‘Women Rights are Human Rights, workshop on women & child trafficking at Tamenglong, slogan competition, awareness campaign in all district including schools, colleges and university, street corner meeting cum poster campaign in all districts of the state, slide shows in all districts and candle lighting at end of the observation.
She also declared that media fellowship will offer for ten months from January to September 2011 to two mediaperson (one each for male and female).