By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Guwahati: ‘Northeast – The Women’s Campaign’, an initiative by Assam Youth For Change (AYFC) and supported by University of Science and Technology Meghalaya was launched in Guwahati in a bid to bridge the gap of gender inequality on Sunday. The year-long campaign was launched by Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister Deborah C. Marak in presence of Vice Chancellor of University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya Dr. PG Rao.
The campaign aims at building and broadening the perspectives, policies and practices on socio-cultural and economic rights of women through advocacy and consultative processes with the government officials, civil society organizations and partners.
A moment during the launch of ‘Northeast-The Women’s campaign’ in Guwahati.
Speaking on the occasion, Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister, Deborah C. Marak said, “Charity begins at home. We talk internationally, we bring in overseas example. But it will not help our self if we cannot correct us at home. Gender inequality within families, inequitable division of labour within the household and cultural attitudes about gender roles subjugate women and serve to limit their representation in public life. Women interests are not often represented equality.”
“Even in the modern era, women are under – represented in contrast to men. In Meghalaya, we have four women legislator but I strongly feel this is not enough, increasing women representation in government is necessary to gender parity I hope Assam Youth For Change will bring light to these issues in near future,” She added.
Dr. PG Rao, Vice Chancellor of University of Science & Technology while appreciating the concept of NE- The Women’s campaign which is first of its kind has said, “I felt we missed the bus which could reach to the women of the nook and order of Northeast who are under privileged and need support to uplift themselves. I hope with Northeast- The Women’s Campaign, Assam Youth For Change would be able to bridge the gap among the women and social parity.”
In this launching event, Hasina Kharbhih, Founder Director of Impuse NGO Network, Assam legislator Dr. Rumi Nath, Political Activist Meera Borthakur, Gitarani Bhattacharjee, Social scientist Shreemoyee Raina Sharma, Psychologist & Child Life Specialist , Nixan Joseph, Regional Manager Khasi Jaintia Hills, State Bank of India took part along with students of University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya.
Hasina Kharbhih, while speaking on gender Violence, domestic Violence and trafficking said, “Unless you send a strong message to the community that human trafficking is a crime and prosecution will take place, you are not actually tackling human trafficking in a very holistic manner.”
Assam legislator Dr. Rumi Nath also advocated more and more participation of women in Political scenario of the region.
A yearlong resolution has been adopted by Assam Youth For Change based on the recommendations of the think tanks participated in the event.
AYFC president Syeda Ambia Zahan said, “Assam Youth for Change is an organization of like- minded people who want to work towards the cause of women in Northeast. Based on the recommendations taken in Northeast-The Women’s Campaign will chalk out an action plan to work for gender parity, economic, social and cultural rights of Women in Northeast India.”
The Year-long action plan of Northeast-The Women’s Campaign includes selecting rural villages as model village wherein with participation of the women in that locality entrepreneurship scopes could be developed. It also includes empowering women in villages by forming self-help groups.