Planet 50-50 by 2030
ITANAGAR, Mar 8: International Women’s Day was celebrated across the state with various activities. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Planet 50-50 by 2030” – aiming to achieve global equality in areas such as education and end all forms of discrimination.
At Ziro, the day was celebrated at Abotani Hall. The celebration programme was organized by the Ziro unit of Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society.
Addressing the event, President of APWWS (central executive committee) Gumri Ringu has said that even after centuries of struggle for rights of women, women continue to face discrimination based on gender as she called for gender equality.
She said that to achieve gender justice, political empowerment as well as economic independence and education are the vital tools.
Ringu further said that Arunachal society need to change its patriarchal position, which she said is often used in order to suppress women. She further cautioned women from being used as political tool. If the political parties are keen on participation of women in politics, they should make space for them in the legislative session, said Ringu.
Dipti Bengia, former Vice President of APWWS central team recollected the formation of the Subansiri Girls Association, Ziro in the mid 60s to stand up against child and force marriages. She said that there were many cases of the child and forced marriages which was curbed to a great extent during those days.
Encouraging women to continue to work for achieving their rights, she further said that women will be the agent of change. She further called on the gathering to step up efforts to keep the state clean.
APWWS Activist and lawyer Kani Nada Maling, in her address said that law does not discriminate on the basis of gender or religion while highlighting legal provisions for women in the country including the ones against domestic violence as well as discrimination at work place.
She underscored the need to utilize legal provisions for gender parity.
The day organized by the APWWS, Ziro Unit in collaboration with Mother’s Society, Apatani Women’s Society, Para Women Society and Diilyang Diibu MPCS was attended by large number of women including the Gaon Buris.
There were stalls with local produce put up by the Self Help Groups.
At Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) in collaboration with Muskan Welfare Society, Women & Child Development department, Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society and Arunachal Vivekananda Yuva Shakti organized a mass procession from Mopin-Solung ground here to Vivekananda Hall, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital to mark the day.
While speaking at the event, APSCW chairperson Mitali Tingkhatra advocated for eradication of polygamy, domestic violence, and child marriage while stating that Arunachal Pradesh should strive for becoming a role model for other states by achieving gender equality by 2030.
Niba Hospital Managing Director, Dr Taba Nirmali opined that Aruanchal Pradesh Marriage Registration Act 2007 needs to be strictly implemented so that polygamy is checked.
She said that there should be 33 percent reservation in the legislative assembly so that the issues concerning women can be represented effectively.
Retired Director of W&CD Dishi Mihu Mallo said that APSCW should create awareness on the rights, schemes and policies of the women.
Along with raising the issues concerning women, they should also introspect their attitude and behavior, she said.
Police Inspector Neeranjan Kalita, who spoke on ‘Crime Against Women in Arunachal Pradesh said that the attitude among women that they are inferior to their male counterparts should be eradicated otherwise there will always a ruler and the ruled.
Rajiv Gandhi University prof. Vandana Upadhyay presented a paper on Gender Profile/Issues in Arunachal Pradesh, as resource person.
At Naharlagun, addressing a function on the occasion of IWD, State BJP Mahila Morcha President Padmeswari Jamoh said that creating awareness among the masses about the rights and roles of women in the society has been the main objective of celebrating the Day.
The objective of the celebration would be fulfilled when there will be no gender disparity and we start giving equal respect and opportunities to women, she said.
Citing the example of State BJP vice president Kenyir Ringu, who brought up and guided all her six daughters to stand on their own feet through hard work and sheer determination, Jamoh urged the mothers of the state to work hard to build career of their daughters.
BJP State General Secretary Dominic Tadar said IWD pledges for gender parity in all respects and to ensure greater participation of women in all fields at par with their men counterpart.
He also highlighted the objective of “Beti Bachao and Beti Parao” programme and various other women friendly programmes and policies of the central government.
Poonam Ranjan, postal assistant from Naharlagun Post Office spoke in details the process of opening new accounts in Post Office.
While celebrating Day at Naharalgun, Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (APMCC) on Tuesday resolved to urge the authority to keep 1 seat for women out of the three MP seats -two Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha — in Arunachal Pradesh.
APMCC Vice President Mai Modi remembered the sacrifice made by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the contribution of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for women empowerment in the country. She also remembered first elected women legislator of the State Late Nyari Welly and Padmashree Late Omem Moyong Deori and their contribution for women emancipation in the State.
APCC Vice President Tadar Yadir said that the proper development of any society depends on women empowerment. She stressed the need for creating awareness among the women of the state about their rights. She also expressed concern over safety of women, child labour, trafficking of girl child etc and called upon everyone to help each other when women are in trouble.
APMCC vice president Chera Mekia, General Secretary Yame Tok also spoke. All the rank and file of APMCC, DMCC, BMCC, CMCC, Mahila Panchayat leaders and house wives attended the programme.
The International Women’s Day was celebrated at different parts of Tirap district with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the huge gathering of women from all walks of life at Khonsa, ADTH Chanyok Rajkumai urged the women to be proud of what they were adding that over the years and ages the contribution of women in nation building had been immense.
While advocating for empowerment and emancipation of women in the society, Rajkumari passionately appealed to the womenfolk to be prepared to shoulder bigger responsibilities apart from their daily household chores.
In her address, DACO Sira Meto described the day as a mark of tribute to the women’s power and emphatically said that the world would be incomplete without women and their contributions.
DIPRO Denhang Bosai said that even by doing the simple household chores the women were doing a great service to the society and urged them to be good mothers, wives and good human beings adding that they were the real home makers.
He further said that joining of Shakuntala Gamlin as the new Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh was truly an International Women’s Day gift to the women of the State.
Earlier, in her address Chairperson of the Khonsa Women’s Welfare Association Sontung Lowang Bangsia said that the role of women was not to challenge the dominance of men but to work hand in hand with their male counterparts with equal right and dignity.
She highlighted the achievements of women in various fields and exhorted the Tirap women to come out of their kitchen and accept the challenges of shouldering the greater onus of the society.
Three poor widows were felicitated on the occasion by the celebration committee
At Borduria, the IWD was celebrated under the aegis of Borduria Women Association at Borduria village which was sponsored by Lowangdong Foundation in which women from 25 villages under Tirap District actively participated on the occasion.
All the women from different Nocte villages of Tirap district attended the programme.
Principal RKSM Girls’ School, Khonsa Vedatmaprana Mataji said Indian women need not fight for equality and approach government for empowerment because Indian women has been empowered by nature adding that Indian culture itself has proved women empowerment. Mataji said that Sarada Math and Sarada Mission is only the women organisation in the world, who directly control and run by women without involvement of men.
Chasom Wangchadong, Chairperson, Borduria Women Association said that many times IWD has been celebrated in town and cities but women living in remote villages and rural areas of Tirap district are still unaware about celebration of the day adding that all section of women wing residing in different places must be motivated to understand the importance of the celebration.
DMO Dr. Neeba Lowang highlighted the importance of International Women Day celebration in brief. She gave suggestion for prevention from various gyneo diseases and breast cancer etc.
Nyiliam Bangsia, of Khonsa village and WD Lowangchha, public leader of Borduria village also spoke on the occasion.
IWD was also celebrated at Deomali with great enthusiasm.
At Tawang, the day was celebrated by organizing a sensitization and awareness camp on Protection of Women form Domestic Violence Act 2005 and Protection of Children from Domestic Violence Act 2012 at DC’s Conference Hall.
Chairperson, WWA, Tawang, members of Child Welfare Committee, Tawang and various officers spoke on the occasion, who advocated for empowerment of women in all spheres.
While highlighting on incidences of sexual abuse and domestic violence that goes unreported, all the participants were requested to report the cases so that care and attention to the victims can be ensured and their right to live with dignity kept alive.
The day was also celebrated at Lhou Circle to mark the social, economic and political achievement of women.
At Koloriang, the IWD was celebrated in a grand manner wherein women from all walks of life took active participation.
Addressing the gathering, Yowa Topu, ADC (Hq) and I/C Deputy Commissioner, Kurung-Kumey called upon the fairer section of the society to work hard, upgrade their skill, minimize their dependent on men folk. He said that if women are economically independent they can take independent decision and contribute more for the advancement of the society, country and the humanity.
Pawan Kr. Prasad, BM, SBI Koloriang stressed on the need for strengthening the Self Help Groups (SHG) in Kurung Kumey and for that he requested one and all for imbibing financial literacy.
Nangram Pingkap, CO, Koloriang spoke about the women empowerment, different constitutional provisions and legal aspects pertaining to up-liftment of women in the country.
T.W Thungon, Deputy Director, ICDS, Koloriang, Chello Sanjay, AE, PHED, Koloriang and Bengia Raja, APO (Credit), DRDA also spoke on the occasion.
At Changlang, a myriad of women related issues and their possible solutions were taken up in a workshop organized at Women and Children Club under the aegis of Tangnu Welfare & Development Society (TWaDS), Arun Jyoti and Arunachal Vikas Parishad, Changlang to mark the occasion.
Marina Kenglang, ZPC Changlang spoke about the ill effects of drug abuse and opium cultivation and the various remedies available. She exhorted them to opt for viable alternatives to opium under rural livelihood schemes like cardamom plantation, horticulture and livestock etc.
H. Bangsia DD ICDS explained the provisions under The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 as well as its effective application and procedures.
Dr M Khimhun, SMO stressed the importance of female hygiene and good sanitation practices and elucidated on various contraception measures, symptoms of women related ailments and Govt. Facilities available to female patients.
The other resource persons were K Tungkhang, President TWaDS and JM Tayeng CO HQ, who explained in brief about various women related laws and statutory provisions and the role of women in tribal society.
Women from all walks of life- agriculturists, entrepreneurs, Govt. Officials, PRI members, SHGs participated in the session.
Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society Seijosa branch also celebrated International Women’s Day on Tuesday at Upper Seijosa.
Addressing about 350 attendees from different villages, Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Indra Mallo, IAS, talked about her father was very supportive and her mother was one of the first graduates of the Idu Mishmi community.
In her case, she said, the saying of ‘if you educate a woman, you educate a family’, was very true.
DFO Pakke Tiger Reserve, TanaTapi spoke about the role and responsibilities of women in society and why the attitude of men needs to change.
He gave the example of the Great hornbill, and said that it has a lot to teach men in human societies.
“The male of this species is involved in full-time parental care,” he said and highlighted that the perception of water-tight division of gender roles needs to change.
APWWS Seijosa Chairperson Melong Bagang, highlighted that cases of domestic violence and issues related to marital problems have reduced in Seijosa.
During the course of these celebrations, cultural program and volley ball tournament was organized.
At Roing, a total of 116 members from 20 SHGs under the aegis of AMYAA, an NGO, gathered in its Training Hall at Mayu-II and resolved to respect and give due care to education of their girl child.
ZPC Sipi Elapra, participating in the celebration, encouraged the members to take up the functioning of their SHGs seriously and to avail every benefit. She further urged AMYAA Chairman RK Paul Chawang and his team to follow-up the SHGs systematically by paying visits and organizing meetings timely at village level to help progress the SHGs.
BDO K Manyu and ZPM Iduli Block Sipa Mena also spoke on the occasion and extorted every participating woman to be proud of being a woman.
APO (DRDA) Suruti Linggi in her message said, “No one can understand better the problems of a woman/mother than herself”. She went on to say that women go through different problems at different stages of life.
“A girl child’s difficulties can be best understood by her mother” she said.
She also said that in Idu Mishmi Society when it comes to educating children, generally parents give priority to the welfare of boy child than the girl child.
She pleaded every mother to give extra care to the education of their girl child for girls have tougher life challenges than boys.
Speaking on the occasion, Chawang focused on the present education scenario. He spoke about how in today’s ‘no failing system’ in school has demeaned the very definition of education and has left many potential children to be stranded with no future dreams. He said that educating students is not the sole job of teachers in schools but parents do have equal and greater responsibility to care for, especially mothers have indisplaceable roles to play towards the healthy upbringing of their children.
The first ever coming together of SHGs to celebrate Women’s Day was marked by unique feature of preparing different local dishes by the SHGs and sharing of the same as a symbolic sign of being united for progressive future. The speciality of the common celebration was also seen in the sharing of one’s own stories adding much significance to the event.
At PASIGHAT, East Siang unit of Nehru Yuva Kendra, sponsored by Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports celebrated the “International Women Day” at Pasighat S S Mission with participation of womenfolk of the locality areas.
The Yuva Kendra volunteers led by Ibrahim Talom spoke on rights of women as enshrined in the Constitution of India and other acts and laws for them.
Another volunteer, Olom Talom urged the women communities to exercise their Constitutional rights. The members of the NYK have also appealed them to come forward and eradicate the prevailing social evils, our correspondent adds.
At Pasighat JNC a flower/ornamental tree plantation programme was organized at the upper campus of the college to mark the IWD, wherein the Women Wing of the college actively took part.
AT RGU, IWD was celebrated with theme “Celebrating Womanhood with Creativity”, wherein around 300 women and men from various walks of life participated.
Various activities such as physical exercise, games, exhibition of fun stalls, photography, dance, song, recitation of poems were organized to mark the occasion. The main programme in the afternoon was attended by Rangili Nonang Mibang, Deputy Director (Retd.), Directorate of School Education, and Tine Mena, Everester.
At Itanagar Don Bosco College, the Day was celebrated with theme “Pledge for Parity”, by the college fraternity along with Arunachal Civil Society.
Nabam Pitor, Health Research Scientist at Department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Father R K Guangdiat Nicholas SBD, Principal DB College, ACS Chairman Patey Tayum, Deputy Registrar Marina Siram, S Yadav, RGU Faculty attended and spoke on the occasion.All the speakers mainly highlighted the role of women in the house, in the society and their rights.
ACS Chairman Patey Tayum advised all men-folk to engage themselves in kitchen works atleast for one or two days in a week to help the family members. Batotsi Kri, Assistant professor, Law College, presented a PowerPoint on women’s role in the family. Demo on domestic violence, how it affects other members of the family, the society and measures to avoid domestic violence. (DIPROs and other official sources).