MLA of Wangkhei Assembly Thangjam Arunkumar on Sunday stressed that the role of parents in creating a gender equal society is vital and parents should groom their children to respect every gender.
He was speaking at the 3rd edition of the Annual Eta Manipur Women of Substance Awards 2023 at Sangai hall, Hotel Imphal. Eta Northeast Women’s Network organised the event in connection with International Women’s Day.
Women need not beg for their rights; they should claim it by asserting themselves intellectually and physically on par with the rest of their competitors in every field, he said.
“Man should strive collectively with women in the quest for gender equality, joining hands will further ingrain the mutual respect between the two genders,” he said.
He also emphasised the urgent need for academicians and experts in the state to hold discourses on the complexities of gender. People need to educate themselves with the ever evolving concept of gender, he added.
Chairperson of Eta network Sophia Rajkumari noted that Eta was started in 2009 with the objective to provide a healthy platform for various genders to air their grievances and thoughts on gender equality.
She stated that gender empowerment is a long process which requires time and patience on part of all stakeholders. Empowerment is a social movement which requires dedication and sacrifice, she added.
“Every contribution to the quest inches the whole movement towards a more gender respectful society,” Sophia said.
She further highlighted the various online initiatives undertaken by Eta to create awareness in various fields which includes understanding entrepreneurship programmes, mental health, legal awareness, zero interest microfinance programmes among others.
During the programme, as many as 21 women achievers of Manipur were awarded the Women of Substance Awards, 2023.
Some of the awardees are Adhikarimayum Sarda Devi, Irom Thoibi Devi, Huidrom Achoubi Devi, Valleyrose Hungyo,Wahengbam Purnima, Jojo Rajkumari, Moirangthem Muktamani, Sujata Wangkheirakpham, Nganbi Chanu leima, Rajkumari Rosy and many more.
All Manipur Kanba Ema Lup general secretary Wahengbam Luwangleima Chanu, Former Minister Akoijam Mira Bai among others were present at the event.
