IMPHAL October 11 (NNN): Ending discrimination against girl child is the main cry of the nation now.
Speaking of protecting girl child against harassment from violence and torture, Dr Ibetombi, Chairperson of Manipur State Women Commission who was the Chief Guest of the one day workshop on “National Girl Child Week” today spoke of ending gender division in the society at Imphal Hotel, Conference Hall.
The workshop was organized under the theme “Innovating for Girls’ Education” by the Manipur State Social Welfare Board. The function was attended by A. Nabachandra, Ex Director Social Welfare and presently Chairman of Manipur State Child Commission as guest honour and Ch. Leibaklotpi Devi, Chairperson, Manipur State Social Welfare Board, Imphal as the president.
Dr Ibetombi said that the main root of all crimes against girls is gender division starting right from the family level where parents ruthlessly abort girl child and if born, drive them into various forms of torture like sending them to odd jobs like washing utensil at hotels. She added that even though several rights are implemented for girls by the United Nations as well as the country, the nation has been unsuccessful in uprooting the crimes faced by girls, and at large women. She also stated that our country will not progress unless we give proper girl education and mould them into fine mothers who will bear child in the future.
Speaking in the context of Manipur, Leibaklotpi said that our state is vulnerable towards women as every now and then we come across women being raped, tortured and harassed even in the presence of many acts and laws implemented to safeguard them. She urged the womenfolk to come out and speak up for their rights as nothing good will come from being silent sufferers. She added that many NGOs and Government bodies are also taking up initiatives by conducting awareness programmes to end the discrimination.