The Manipur State Commission for Women marked 20 years of service, highlighting women’s rights, grievance support, awareness and a planned online complaint portal.
Imphal, Sept. 15: The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) marked its 20th Foundation Day on Tuesday with Chairperson Th. Tiningpham Monsang reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of women and calling for continued public support for its work.
Speaking at the programme held at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, Imphal, Monsang, the seventh Chairperson of the MSCW, expressed gratitude to the public for supporting the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities. She also acknowledged the contribution of the Commission’s legal advisers and former members, saying their work and legacy would continue to remain part of the institution.
Monsang also welcomed the participation of representatives from different communities at the celebration and thanked contributors to Voice of Women, Vol. VII. She urged members of the public to act as messengers of the Commission by creating awareness about its activities and sharing its contact details with women who may need assistance.
Commissioner (Social Welfare) Haobam Rosita, IAS, said the MSCW works to safeguard the constitutional and legal rights of women, implement protective laws and address women’s grievances. She stressed that the Commission cannot carry out these responsibilities alone and requires the cooperation of stakeholder departments, NGOs, activists and other organisations.
Rosita also stressed the need to improve awareness and dissemination of information across Manipur so that women know about their rights and the services available to them. She welcomed the Commission’s planned online portal for women-related issues, saying it could be particularly useful for those who want confidentiality while seeking assistance or submitting complaints.
In her welcome address, MSCW Member Secretary and Additional Director, IPR, W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, described the 20th Foundation Day as an important milestone. She recalled that the Commission was established on September 15, 2006, at Manipur State Bal Bhavan under the leadership of Dr Ch. Jamini Devi.
Phajatombi said that although the Commission operates as a small office, it has significant responsibilities. She said the MSCW has visited all 16 districts of Manipur as part of its work, but added that its activities had been affected for a period by the ongoing conflict in the State.
She said the Commission has taken part in programmes, meetings and interaction programmes organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW). According to her, the MSCW has completed all eight programmes assigned to it under the NCW’s guidance ahead of the October deadline, while several other States were yet to complete their targets.
Phajatombi also spoke of the need for a dedicated women’s policy for Manipur. She said NCW guidelines require States to have a policy on women and that Manipur had not previously had one. A new Women’s Policy has since been approved by the NCW and is currently under process following consultations with experts, she said.
The Member Secretary further said the MSCW is preparing to launch its online portal for women to raise issues and submit complaints. The portal is expected to provide an avenue for women, particularly those living in remote areas or unable to visit the Commission physically, to seek assistance.
MSCW legal adviser Advocate Chongtham Narendra Singh gave an overview of the role and functions of the Commission during the programme.
Former members and office-bearers were felicitated during the celebration. Those honoured included former members Soibam Neelima Devi, Lourembam Dayabati Devi and Chuongsin Koireng; former Chairperson Keisham Somita; and legal advisers Chongtham Narendra Singh, Khaidem Santa Singh and Thiyam Rajkishore. Thokchom Nandini, who has worked in combating gender-based violence, was also felicitated.
The programme included a documentary on the activities of the Commission and the release of Voice of Women, Vol. VII. The event was attended by MSCW member Sk. Sophia, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Chairperson T. Mathieu Rongmei, professors of Manipur University, former MSCW members, representatives of different tribal communities and other officials.
