National Seminar on Women Empowerment

T he National Human Rights Commission collaborated with the Manipur University to organize a National Seminar on "Women Empowerment & Human Rights: Special reference to North-East" in Imphal from the 18th -19th May, 2018. The seminar was divided into three sub themes - (a) "Violence against Women: Challenges before Law", (b) "Development, women's rights & 21st Century", and (c) "Media and Women empowerment".
Addressing the inaugural session, as the Chief Guest, the NHRC Member, Mrs. Jyotika Kalra, stressed on the need to raise awareness among the masses and various stakeholders about their rights and freedom under the law. She also emphasized that the importance of women empowerment is inevitable in the context of the promotion and protection of human rights.
Manipur University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey spoke about the ground realities and the challenges of protection of human rights and women empowerment especially in North Eastern States. Other distinguished speakers included, among others, Dr. Anuja S from Bengaluru, Hasina Kharbhih from Shillong, Dr Joram Anaya Tana from Arunachal Pradesh, Prof H Subodani Devi from Imphal. Three senior journalists from eastern India, Mr. Snehashish Sur from Kolkata, Mr. Pradip Phanjoubam from Imphal and Mr. Nava Thakuria from Guwahati also highlighted the role of media in the process of women's empowerment.
Addressing the valedictory function, Justice N Kotiswar Singh of Manipur High Court emphasized on a collective initiative over the process of empowering women in the vast country. He expressed the hope that new ideas would be generated, developed and nurtured with the interactions.
Over 25 papers were presented in the seminar, wherein NHRC officers, Dr. Munidev Singh Tyagi, Joint Director, Dr. S.K. Shukla, Assistant Director and Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Director, Centre for HRs & Duties Education, Manipur University also shared their views.