Theme of Imphal G20 summit will be Women Empowerment

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur Public Works Department Minister Konthoujam Govindas has announced that the theme of the meeting at the Imphal G20 summit will be women empowerment. He was lauding the abilities of Manipuri women on Saturday at the valedictory function of 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’ organized 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 Imphal G20 summit in Manipur, he maintained.

He elaborated that with India assuming the G20 Presidency, G20 meetings will be hosted in all states of India. In this regard, he said a meeting was convened on Friday in the presence of Central and state leaders to discuss the preparations for the upcoming meetings at the Imphal G20 summit. It was resolved that meeting at the Imphal G20 summit 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. There is a necessity to conduct a massive gender sensitization campaign in order to create awareness of women’s rights.

On his Facebook page, Govindas said, “As we continue to build a global community of people standing up for “Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment to build Women’s Resilience against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract!”, I am delighted to grace as Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony of “The16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25-December 10)” at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Imphal organized by One Stop Centre, Manipur (16 Districts), Dept. of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur. I am really proud of all the activists working for girls’ rights and speaking out against violence in the 16 Districts of Manipur. “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.”

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 victimized women should approach the center instead of bearing their miseries, he further said and assured to extend possible support in order to make Manipur the 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 the guest of honor 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 centers. The center facilitates the service of legal assistance, medical assistance, police assistance, and psycho-societal support or counseling.