National Commission for Women (NCW) member Shyamala S. Kunder has stressed on the need for empowering and giving more respect to women for progress and prosperity of the society. Participating in a day-long interaction and awareness training programme at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) at Rono Hills, Shyamala stated “When power is given to women, they could be able to change the society in harmonious manner with unity and integrity”. She further said that every woman has to struggle to come up with flying colors for reaching their goals and dreams and stand on their own feet economically and politically.
Shyamala appreciated the functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at RGU. She also suggested that the ICC composition, contact details and complaint mechanism should be displayed on the university or respective higher educational institutions website.
Responding to the queries of participants, state's Education Secretary Niharika Rai highlighted on the faulty socialization process aggravating the issue of physical, social and more importantly, psychological violence at homes in traditional Indian society of which Arunachal Pradesh is no exception. She also suggested for an enabling environment as well as conducive ecosystem for the present generation of youth and children alike.
The main objectives of the programme was to interact with the members of ICC of various institutions of the state and to bring about awareness on sexual harassment of women at work place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act-2013 and to train the members for capacity building. Later in the day, the NCW member called on Governor Brig (retd) Dr. B.D. Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu and discussed on measures for reinforcing the security and wellbeing of the womenfolk in the State. The Governor said that any complaint by a girl or a woman must be promptly addressed and must be constantly followed up for speedy justice. Dr. Mishra also suggested to the NCW member for attaching livelihood components for rescued women by providing a source of livelihood so that the Commission could guarantee better life for the helpless women.
Commending the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), the department of Women and Child Development and Oju Welfare Association (OJA) for their praiseworthy contributions towards women welfare, the Governor called for more shelters for rescued women and children. "The rescued persons must be provided skilled training for self-reliance through tailoring, weaving and handicraft work, service sector work, preferably the skill craft the rescued person is comfortable with," added Dr. Mishra. The NCW member appreciated the suggestions and assured to take it up at the national level for its appropriate implementation.
On substance abuse, the CM Khandu said that involvement of any uniformed personnel is being strictly dealt with. When the APSCW members brought the issue of women's equal rights over their parental property, CM Khandu suggested a seminar to be conducted for raising awareness on the issue assuring his full cooperation. The meeting also suggested strengthening of the 'One Stop Centre' (OSC) - Sakhi' to support women affected by violence.
Chairperson of APSCW Radhilu Chai Techi and Women and Child Development secretary Niharika Rai were also present in the meeting. During the meeting with CM Khandu, the NCW member discussed issues related to women's rights and substance abuse among women. The Chief Minister said that women in Arunachal are better off yet there are miles still to go. He said that polygamy still plagues the tribal society in the State.
