Imphal: The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) marked its 20th Foundation Day on Tuesday with a call for stronger coordination among government departments, NGOs and activists to improve awareness of women’s rights across the state.
Speaking at the event at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Imphal, Social Welfare Commissioner Haobam Rosita (IAS) said the MSCW could not address women’s grievances and enforce protective laws in isolation. She called for greater coordination among stakeholders to disseminate information on women’s rights.
Rosita also welcomed the Commission’s upcoming online portal, saying it would provide women with a secure and confidential platform to lodge complaints, particularly benefiting those in remote areas who cannot easily approach the MSCW office.
MSCW Chairperson Th. Tiningpham Monsang reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting women’s welfare and thanked the public, legal advisers and former members for their continued support. She urged people to spread awareness about the Commission’s activities and helpline details.
Delivering the welcome address, MSCW Member Secretary W. Phajatombi Devi recalled the Commission’s journey since its establishment on September 15, 2006. Despite a brief disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, the Commission has toured all 16 districts of the state.
Phajatombi said that, under the guidance of the National Commission for Women (NCW), the MSCW had completed all eight programmes assigned to it ahead of the October deadline. She also said the NCW had approved a new Women’s Policy for Manipur, described as the first of its kind for the state, which is currently being processed following consultations with experts.
She reiterated that the proposed online portal would make it easier for women in remote areas to access the Commission and submit complaints without visiting its office.
The programme also featured a presentation on the roles and functions of the MSCW by legal adviser Advocate Chongtham Narendra Singh.
As part of the Foundation Day programme, the dignitaries released the seventh volume of the Commission’s magazine Voice of Women and screened a documentary on its work.
The event concluded with the felicitation of former MSCW chairpersons, members, legal advisers and anti-gender-based violence activist Thokchom Nandini.
MSCW Member Sk. Sophia, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Chairperson T. Mathieu Rongmei, Manipur University professors, community leaders and senior officials attended the programme.