Dimapur, October 21 (MExN): Mao Women Hoho Dimapur (MWHD) and Poumai Naotumai Me Dimapur (PNMD) jointly organized a seminar on “Issues of women and children” at Holy Cross auditorium hall on Saturday (Oct 20) with director, C-CERP Dimapur, , Liangshi Niumai, and director Prodigals Home Dimapur, , K Ela as resource persons.
Liangshi who spoke on the topic “Issue of women in contemporary society” said in the changed contemporary society, women should not remain as mute spectators but rise up to defend their rights and dignity. She said that unlike in the past where women were relegated to confines of homes and household chores, in the fast changing world, women have also more responsible and vital role in shaping society.
On issue of 33% reservation for women in civic bodies, she said menfolk have resorted to excuse of Naga customary law and tradition to deny women participation in civic bodies. She also said that the policies and schemes for women implemented by the Central Government have not benefitted Naga women in the desired manner as the Centre is not aware of the Naga way of life.
The resource person also dwelled on importance of good parenting and health besides highlighting on denial of “property right” to Naga women and socio-economic hardships and faced by women in general. Liangshi further cautioned on the many dangers faced by women, especially in Dimapur, due to presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
Ela who spoke on the topic “Child rights, child protection, child trafficking and children and HIV” touched on the common Naga practice of child adoption and said that a child has his or her rights and cannot be forced into adoption. Adoption of children should be done legally as per rules, she said. She also highlighted on issues of domestic violence and child exploitation in the form employing minors as domestic helps. On child trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors, Ela urged the mothers to be very vigilant Dimapur is the hot-spot of such crimes.
Special numbers were presented by Poumai Baptist Church women, Mao Catholic women group, Poumai Naotumai Me Dimapur, Mao Baptist women and D Kushuni on the occasion. General Secretary, MWHD, Komuni Pfuzhe chaired the programme and chairperson, Poumai Baptist Church (women deptt.), Hriimana Shou, proposed vote of thanks.
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