KAKCHING: The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW), successfully organised a one-day Legal Awareness Programme on Friday at Ima Panthoibi Temple, Pangaltabi Makha Leikai, Kakching district.
The programme aimed to educate women and the general public about key laws enacted to protect and empower women and children. It sought to educate participants on their constitutional rights, legal remedies, and access to justice under existing laws, while also promoting awareness about issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, workplace harassment, child protection, and gender-based discrimination.
The event was attended by Th. Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson, MSCW; Sk. Sophia, member of MSCW; W. Phajatombi Devi,Member Secretary, MSCW & Additional Director (DIPR) Manipur; Khaling Mithourong, Cluster Coordinator, Langmeidong block MSRLM and Moirangthem Amubi Devi, President, Anouba Mangal VLF Pangantabi as presidium members. Around 200 women, including community members, local leaders, women representatives, Self Help Groups, and Village Level Federations (VLF), attended the programme.
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Delivering the keynote address, W. Phajatombi Devi, Member Secretary, MSCW & Additional Director (DIPR), Manipur, highlighted the importance of legal awareness in empowering women and ensuring access to justice. She also emphasised the role and responsibilities of the Manipur State Commission for Women, a statutory body dedicated to protecting women’s rights and dignity and advancing gender equality through awareness campaigns. Throughout the state, the Commission offers community outreach programs, legal assistance, and counselling to women.
Addressing the event, Th. Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of MSCW, highlighted the importance of legal awareness. Significant progress has been made in advancing the rights and status of women in our society, yet many women and children continue to face challenges of domestic violence, trafficking, workplace harassment, discrimination, abuse, and denial of basic rights, she said. In many instances, victims remain unaware of the legal protections available to them and the institutions established to provide assistance and justice, the MSCW chairperson said.
“Legal awareness is, therefore, one of the most effective tools for empowerment. When individuals are aware of their rights and understand the laws that protect them, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, seek help when needed, and contribute to building an equitable society. Awareness can transform citizens from passive observers into active participants in protecting their own rights and those of others,” she added.
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She further encourages participants to actively engage in the discussion and share the knowledge gained with their families, neighbours, and communities. True empowerment occurs only when information reaches every household and every individual.
In the technical session, Ch. Narendra Singh, Advocate, deliberated on the topic ‘The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005,’ highlighting the legal safeguards available to women facing domestic abuse, the mechanisms for protection, and the role of various stakeholders in ensuring access to justice for survivors.
Advocate Santa Khaidem discussed the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, highlighting the legal provisions aimed at preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and penalising offenders involved in trafficking-related activities.
Advocate Thiyam Rajkisho delivered an insightful session on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), explaining the key reforms introduced by the new criminal laws, their objectives, and their implications for India’s criminal justice system.
In the concluding session, Dangam Khaling, Member Secretary of the Child Welfare Committee, Tengnoupal District, deliberated on the POSH Act and the provision of free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act. The session focused on creating safe workplaces, addressing sexual harassment complaints, and enhancing awareness of available legal assistance.
Interactive discussions were also held after the technical sessions, during which the resource person addressed participants’ queries.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Asem Bony Devi, Treasurer, Anouba Mangal VLF, Pangaltabi.
