GUWAHATI, Nov 11 - Noted civil rights activist Binalakshmi Nepram, founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, today called for an urgent need to develop a diversity policy in Assam and other States of Northeast to reduce conflict and racism.
Speaking at a State-level meeting conducted by Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network in collaboration with Chars and Rural Development Society on �Ensuring Diversity, Women�s Right and Democracy in India: Working Towards Ending Racial Discrimination and Gender Based Violence� today, she said that the Government of India still denies the existence of racism in India.
�We must get to understand the concept of diversity collectively and we have to respect each other,� Nepram said.
She also emphasized on establishing Women Support Centers across the country to provide legal and social support to women.
Advocate Rebina Subba, Chairperson, Shamakami, Shillong and Member, Meghalaya State Women Commission, stated that violence against women should not go unreported. Gender sensitization at work place and village level is a necessity. Schools and colleges need to create a non-threatening atmosphere for its students, especially the girl child, she said.
Forensic expert Dr Richa Pandey highlighted that rate of violence against women and abduction has increased and mentioned that children should be educated regarding the issues of sexual assault. She emphasized on training of police and other authorities. �Economic independence of women doesn�t come without legal awareness,� she added.
