The Women Action for Development (WAD) has reached out to the community of Kharam as part of the ongoing observation of international fortnight observation, protesting violence against women on Saturday.
Observing the ‘16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’, WAD took the opportunity during the gathering of Annual Assembly of Youth department of Kharam Tribe at Keithelmanbi at 11.00 am today, stated a release. During the occasion, the message on the importance of women in the society was emphasised by programme coordinator of WAD Saiphu Ringneiphun, it stated.
He primarily focused on the protection of children especially the girl child and talked about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, it further stated. He requested the people to respect the rule of law and appealed to the community not to settle the issue of sexual violence and violence against women as per the customary laws, it added.
The release stated that members of WAD also distributed leaflets and reading materials which provide information on laws such as Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
It further stated that the programme was attended by secretary of Kharam Youth department, Kharam Baptist Churches Association (KBCA) Sh Darsinthang; secretary of Women department, KBCA Sh Remneishin and other community elders of Kharam Tribe.
Members and volunteers of WAD from Imphal East and Imphal West also launched posters and leaflets campaigns, it stated. WAD will continue to reach out to various communities and posters and leaflet distribution will be carried out during the 16-day long observation which ends on December 10, it added.
