HAPOLI, Jan 18: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) conducted a legal awareness programme here in Lower Subansiri district on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, APSCW Chairperson Radhilu Chai Techi sought “concerted effort from people of all sections of the society to empower women to live a respectful life.”
Techi said empowerment starts from home. “Treating a son and a daughter equally at home and teaching sons to respect women are the building blocks to a society void of gender discrimination,” she said.
Terming “excessive bridal price, early marriages, extramarital affairs and financial dependency of women on husbands” the causes of physical, mental and emotional abuse of women, she called for “minimizing the bridal prices, educating the women, and inculcating respect for relationships.”
She urged the police to ensure that cases related to crimes against women are expedited, and requested gaon burahs and gaon buris to be proactive in curbing crimes against women.
Techi said the APSCW has forwarded various recommendations to the state government, including for soft loans for women entrepreneurs; 33 percent reservation in job openings for women; modifications in the customary laws that are detrimental to women; and establishment of family courts, rehabilitation centres, forensic labs and district grievances cells.
Several resource persons made PowerPoint presentations on topics pertaining to uplift of women.
APSCW member Techi Hunmai enumerated the commission’s powers and functions, while Ziro PS OC Taniya Uli spoke about crimes against women and actions initiated by the government, and APSCW legal advisor Karmu Chotten dwelt on compulsory registration of marriage, free legal aid, and the Maternity Benefit Act.
APSCW member Likha Joya spoke about sexual harassment at workplace “and remedial and curative measures to prevent it,” advocate Toko Nikam spoke about customary practices, especially with regard to marriage and land laws, and Industries Deputy Director Gyati Kacho highlighted the government’s initiatives for women.
Dr Roto Robo spoke about the effects of drug abuse and alcoholism on society, and urged parents to “guide and counsel their children before they get waylaid.”
Among others, Ziro SDO B Tawsik, EACs TameYajum and Priscilla Tayeng, HoDs, representatives from the AWAZ and the APWWA’s Ziro unit, members from NGOs and SHGs, and anganwadi workers attended the programme. (DIPRO)
