IMPHAL, March 8: As observed in different parts of the globe, the International Women’s Days was also widely observed in the State today.The women’s day was observed at Nupi Keithel, Imphal jointly organized by the All Manipur Nupi Marup, Kwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgatpa Sagatpa and Kanba Lup, and the centre for organization Research and Education (CORE) with the support of the Manipur State Commission for Women with a simple ceremony of thanksgiving prayer and offerings to the Keithel Lairembi.
The women of the unique Nupi Keithel have always believed that the future of Manipur lies in the preservation and strengthening of women’s economic power. It is significant that this International Women’s Day 2011 also marks the successful occupation of the newly constructed Nupi Keithel complex in Imphal by women vendors.
The day was also observed by the Kanglei Chaokhat Lamching Lup (KANGLEICHAL), at the Manipur press club, Imphal. The programme was attended by Dr. U. Deben Singh, MLA Wabagai Assembly constituency, Th. Ayangleima Chanu president Kangleichal, Y. Leirik Leima president KAGNLAMEI, Kakom Lunglu Kamei president Kabui Mother’s Association and AK. Janaki Leima, president Meekhol.
A seminar session was also organized marking the day on the theme “Manipur Khunaida Meira Paibi” (the role of Meira Paibi in Manipur Society).
The United NGOs Mission-Manipur, (UNM-U) in collaboration with the District Women’s Committee of Tamenglong district, also observed the day at the Indoor stadium, Tamenglong under the theme “Equal access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to decent work for Women”.
The observation was graced by RK. Ragaisin ceo, TADC, as the chief guest, Rev. Kaiba Riamei, advisor DNC as functional president. Apart from them many other public leaders, religious leader official of the UNM-U including the co-convener, M. Sobita etc attended the observation.
M Sobita in her key-note addressed maintained that the International women’s Day has been observed worldwide since the early 1900, a time of great unrest and critical debate occurring amongst women, and when women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change.
She further added that the as in various other parts of the world, the people were also gathered in the Indoor Stadium in celebration of women’s contributions to the society, communities and to the whole human race, the advancement that women have made in improving her condition and status, and also as a reminder that a lot more needs to be done to remove the shackles of oppression, suppression and inequality that still continue to imprison women and prevents her from reaching her full potential.
Giving an account of the start of the day, she maintained that it was tabled for the first time by Clara Zetkin, leader of the “Women’s Office” for the social Democratic Party in German in 1910 at the second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen. She had proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day, a Women’s Day, to press for their demands.
She further added that today, the day is an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The United Nations which observed International Women’s Day for the first time in 1975 has adopted the theme – Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent works for women this year.
She ended by appealing to all to acknowledge the truth in the statement ‘women Rights are Human rights as stated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, present secretary of state of Amirica in Beijing.
The observation also saw a Zeme dance troupe presenting a cultural dance.
The day also observed by The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI).In an emailed statement the union said that it had observed the International Women’s Day with the theme “Equal Access to Education, Training, and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women”, at the Tangkhul Avenue Community Hall, Imphal.
The observation was attended by representatives of different tribal women’s organisations including the Zomi Mothers’ Association and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights.
Explicating on the theme, speakers reiterated that education is a basic human rights in itself, and key to the enjoyment of human rights also, it said. And pointing out that in the knowledge driven society of today, access to education itself is not enough but it has to be meaningful and relevant, speakers called attention to the need for science education and formal training of women as an economic imperative as well as an ingredient towards social progress and political stability. Pointing out stumbling blocks in the achievement of equal access to education, speakers mentioned the need for gender equality in every levels of decision-making, the need for ensuring access to other basic necessities such as gender specific healthcare and sanitation etc.
It informed that the celebration of International Women’s Day will continue for the fortnight with further focus on issues of discrimination & violence against women. NWU in collaboration with other organisations will undertake programs for education and awareness building of women’s rights at the community level, and networking and mobilization to strengthen relationships among different communities.
The day was also observed by the All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) under the theme “Let us carry the Struggle Forward” at the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) Hall.
The observation was graced Th. Iboyaima president Irabot Foundation Manipur, L. Memchoubi president Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibee Apunba, Manipur and Chongtham (O) Usharani president AMAWOVA as the chief guest, guest of hounour and functional president respectively. The All Manipur Nupi Marup and Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup Kwairamband Nupi Keithel also observed the day at the Irawat Memorail hall.
NEW DELHI, March 8:Marking the observation a painting Exhibition on the spirit of Sharmila was launched at the Art Gallery of Department of Arts and Aesthetic, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi organized by Manipur Research Forum Delhi (MRFD).
The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Parul Dave Mukherji, Dean, School, JNU. Bishnupriya Dutt, Prof. H.S Shivpraka and Dr. Oinam Bhagat, Department of Philosophy, JNU.
Fourteen painting on canvas was painted by NEOGENE, a group of young Manipuri artist on the occasion of the festival of hope, Justice and Peace to commemorate the completion of one decade of hunger strike. The exhibition will continue till March 14.
