Public Works Department Minister Konthoujam Govindas, while lauding the abilities of Manipuri women on Saturday, announced that the theme of G20 meeting for Manipur would be on women empowerment.
Govindas was speaking at the valedictory function of a 16-day activism against gender-based violence at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong Imphal East.
The campaign was held under the theme, ‘Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls’ organised by all the One Stop Centres operating in 16 districts of Manipur under the Women and Child Development Ministry.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Govindas said that women of the state are highly empowered compared to other states of India. The role they play in uplifting the socio-economy of the state is commendable. Their abilities and capabilities are worthy of being exhibited at a global level; therefore, the state government has chosen women empowerment to be the theme of the G20 meeting, he maintained.
He elaborated that with India assuming the G20 Presidency, G20 meetings will be hosted in all states of India. In this regard, a meeting was convened on Friday in the presence of Central and state leaders to discuss the preparations of the upcoming meetings, he said. The meeting resolved that the G20 meeting in the state would primarily focus on showcasing the role of Manipuri Women in enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the state.
Govindas said that crime against women would be reduced only when there is gender equality in the society. There is a necessity to conduct a massive gender sensitization campaign in order to create awareness on women’s rights.
Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo said that the activities taken up under the Social Welfare department are a service to humanity. Therefore, the staff and officials of the department should deliver their services with a sense of humanity, sincerity and honesty, he maintained.
He informed that One Stop Centres that opened in every district help in supporting the women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace. Any victimised women should approach the centre instead of bearing their miseries, he further said, and assured to extend possible support in order to make Manipur a safest place for women in the country.
Manipur State Commission of Women Chairperson Ulka Salam and Social Welfare joint director Bantee Singh Konthoujam attended as guest of honour and president respectively.
It may be mentioned that One Stop Centre was first opened in Thoubal district in 2017 and powered by district administration. In 2019, it was also opened in all the remaining districts of Manipur. So far, as many as 571 cases of crime against women have been registered in these centres. The centre facilitates the service of legal assistance, medical assistance, police assistance and psycho-societal support or counseling.
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