IMPHAL, March 8 - International Women�s Day was celebrated in Manipur by government and non-governmental organisations today.
The State-level observation was jointly organised by Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and Social Welfare department under the theme � �Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change.�
Manipur Governor Dr Najma A Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MSCW chairperson Prof Binota Meinam, chairman of Manipur State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Sumatibala Ningthoujam attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Heptulla lauded the womenfolk or �Imas� of Manipur for their genuine courage in times of challenging issues of the State and added that Ima market which comprises about 5,000 women is a symbol of economic empowerment of women.
Stating that the present government is promoting the welfare of women, the Chief Minister said loans were given to women weavers. More than 2,500 free looms have also been provided to them by the Industry department, he added.
In her address, Social Welfare Minister Kipgen appealed to the womenfolk to avail the opportunities under the various programmes and schemes undertaken by the department for empowering women.
Tura Correspondent adds: International Women�s Day with the theme �Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change� was observed at PA Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre here today where Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), Thelin Phanbuh graced the occasion as chief guest.
The event saw thousands of women across all districts of Garo Hills region attending the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Phanbuh lamented that even though Meghalaya is matrilineal but in reality it is controlled by men and therefore, there is a necessity to make women a part of the decision making process in the society.
