Women Action for Development (WAD) has conferred the Promising Journalist Award, 2020 to the staff reporter of Imphal Free Press Brahmacharimayum Rakesh Sharma on Sunday.
Altogether four journalists were conferred different awards during a function held as a part of "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence" at the Manipur Press Club on Sunday.
The awardees are Konsam Samita Devi of The Sangai Express (Promising Journalist Award), Gender Journalist Chitrabhanu of Imphal Review Art and Culture, B Rakesh Sharma of Imphal Free Press (Promising Journalist Award) and Ashem Babycha of Pandam (Promising Journalist Award).
A book 'A Practitioners' Guide to Combat Crime Against Women in Manipur' was also released as resource directory by WAD.
Regarding the book, secretary of WAD, Sobita Mangsatabam said that the book is a resource directory and can be used as a guide. The author of the book is Basanta Wareppa, designed by herself.
The book deals primarily with critical issues on how victims of sexual assault and rape could effectively participate in the criminal justice delivery system, said Sobita, adding that the book aims at empowerment of the victim to overcome their emotional and psychological trauma.
Sobita also highlighted the importance of 16 days activism of international human rights day and activities conducted under 16 days activism.
She shared the hardships faced by people in strife-torn Manipur that has affected every section of society. She said that WAD conducted awareness programmes in relief camps and that psycho social counselling is required in such situations.
Sharing her experience, she said reporting of crime against women cases is increasing in comparison to last few years ago.
SP crime against women, Manipur Police, Ph Maheshwari Devi said that due to increasing number of unreported cases, crime against women may increase. However, change has seen from a few years back that reports are increasing.
On the other hand, to handle reports and investigations of crime against women, eight women police stations have been opened and there are also help desks for women in every police station.
The programme was attended by Dhanabir Laishram, Social Scientist; Ichel Express editor, Salam Hemchandra; retired principal of DM College of Arts, Sheelaramani; Pukhrambam Surbala, Waiton GP pradham; U Nobokishore, secretary CSD.
