In a continued effort to promote an equitable and inclusive society, the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in association with Akashvani Imphal, organised a one-day awareness programme on “Gender Sensitization” at the auditorium of Akashvani Imphal on Thursday.
Addressing the programme, W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Member Secretary, MSCW and Additional Director (IPR), Manipur, observed that despite constitutional guarantees of equal rights, true gender equality has yet to be fully realised. She noted that disparities between men and women continue to exist across various spheres of life and stressed that men must recognise the roles, contributions and responsibilities of women and translate that awareness into meaningful action. She urged the staff of Akashvani Imphal to actively support initiatives aimed at spreading public awareness on gender equality.
Konjengbam Sonikumar Singh, Assistant Director (News), Regional News Unit, Akashvani Imphal, stated that gender equality must begin at home, reflected in the way female family members are treated, and extended to workplaces and society.
He called for greater awareness among men to ensure genuine equality and remarked that the condition of the transgender community in Manipur is comparatively better than in many other states in terms of recognition and reduced discrimination. He appreciated MSCW for consistently organising such awareness programmes.
Nongthombam Roma, Programme Executive and Chairperson of the Women Cell–Internal Committee, Akashvani Imphal, echoed the sentiment that equality starts within the family. She expressed concern that women in leadership roles are often not given due recognition and emphasised the need for women to be well informed about their rights and entitlements.
She also underlined the importance of men’s support in empowering women, stating that gender equality can only be achieved through collective efforts.
Speaking on the sidelines, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of MSCW, stressed that empowerment must begin at the grassroots level. She encouraged individuals to empower themselves so they can empower others and reiterated MSCW’s commitment to addressing issues affecting women and promoting their welfare across the state. She appealed to the public to work together in strengthening women’s rights for a more empowered society.
During the technical session, Lourembam Dayabati Devi, former Member of MSCW, delivered a talk on “Gender Equity Versus Gender Equality, Gender Role at Home & Work Places,” while Advocate B. Supriya Devi spoke on “Men as Allies: Engaging Men in Women Empowerment.”
The programme was attended by SK Sophia Moyon, Member, MSCW; Thokchom Jogendrajit, Assistant Director (News), Regional News Unit, Akashvani Imphal; T. Chuongsin Koireng, Ex-Member, MSCW, along with staff members of Akashvani Imphal.
