MANIPUR: MINISTER NEMCHA KIPGEN KICKS OFF LEGAL AWARENESS PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN

To empower women and girls with the knowledge of their legal rights and duties, Social Welfare Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen today inaugurated the Two Days Legal Awareness Programme at D.C. Hall, Kangpokpi; organized by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) under the aegis of National Commission For Women (NCW).

Addressing the gatherings as Chief Guest, Minister Nemcha Kipgen stated that such programme is not just to give awareness to the women but to impart practical knowledge about the basic rights and remedies provided under various women related laws, thereby making them fit to face the challenges in their life. Women must be on alert on the process of approaching and utilizing various channels available for the redressal of their grievances i.e, the police, the executive and the judiciary. The roles of courts, Manipur State Commission for Women, District Legal Service Authority, Free Legal Aid, Women Help Line “181” is now very important functionaries in day-to-day life of our women, she added.

Nemcha further enlightens the women about the role of courts in achieving gender equality; most importantly the concept of public interest litigation is becoming a very important element in today’s life. Sensitizing women and girls about their rights as provided under various laws includes the Indian Penal Code, 1860; The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; The Prevention of Domestic Violence to Women Act, 2005; The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 etc. and the medical termination of pregnancy act, 1971 (34 of 1971) is also important for the women, she asserted.

Social Welfare Minister urged the Manipur State Women Commission to regularly create awareness to women about the various machineries or organs of the justice delivery system that are available for addressing their problems, concerns and grievances. This will give scope for the women to gain full access to the means of development and to inspire a whole generation of women to work together towards achieving gender equality and justice.

Delivering a Presidential Speech, Chairperson, MSCW, Dr. K. Sobita Devi called upon the attention of all women to reach out to Manipur State Commission for Women if they sensed or come across any injustice meted out to women.

Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi District, Dr. Rangitabali Waikhom, Members, MSCW, Smt. Soibam (O) Neelima Devi, Smt Ranjita Golmei and Dr. Farida Shah also graced the occasion as Guests of Honor.