AIZAWL, Mar 7 � A delegation of National Commission for Women (NCW) comprising Laldingliani Sailo, Member in-charge Northeastern region and Richa Ojha were on a four-day visit to Mizoram recently.
During their visit, the delegation met Minister for Social Welfare to discuss women�s issues in Mizoram especially economic empowerment and safety.
Speaking to media persons, Laldingliani Sailo said that the primary survey for the report is underway. The delegation visited Sesawng village, Thingsul Block and Durtlang-Tlangnuam Block to get a first hand look at the process of focus group discussions of cane-making workers and of Anthurium Growers Society. The discussions threw up a lot of information about the challenges faced by women at the grassroot level for their household or micro enterprise.
The economic development of women and safeguards for women must go hand in hand, she said. NCW emphasises the importance of skill development as a tool to achieve economic empowerment of women. NCW would collaborate with the newly formed Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for strengthening skill development for women, she informed.
Sailo said that a skilled workforce is critical for achieving sustainable socio-economic development through employment in the new age jobs, as well as through household- based or micro enterprise income generation. �To benefit all women, we have to look at skill training for strengthening household enterprise at the grassroot level in the place they live�, she added.
She observed that it is not expected for rural women to come to Aizawl for training. �It is good that village-based training is being undertaken by Mizo Youth Commission. We should strengthen such effort and take it to every village and town�, she added.
According to the NCW member, new ITIs could be set up exclusively for women so that the intake of women could increase and the courses and course content could be tailored for women. Sailo visited the Women Polytechnic at Durtlang and met the faculty and students there for an interactive session.
Sailo also met the Director General of Police to discuss crimes against women. She expressed concern about the safety of young Mizo girls who are going to big cities with the lure of jobs but are being exposed to the dangers of trafficking. �The State must work out an action plan to combat trafficking with the help of YMA, she said.
She also visited the Mizoram University and held discussions with Vice Chancellor, faculty and students of the Department of Social Sciences. The VC agreed to collaborate with NCW and Mizo Women Commission for undertaking studies on gender issues.
Sailo complemented the State Government and the people of Mizoram on the new law on women�s rights related to Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance.
