On the eve of International Women's Day, Meghalaya today observed the occasion at a function where speakers opined "Equality for Women is Progress for All".
While addressing the gathering, Social Welfare Minister and one of the three women ministers, Deborah C Marak lauded her department for organizing the programme and also for showcasing women's talent.
She said that unlike the rest of the country women of Meghalaya seemed to enjoy the special position of matrilineal society but in reality discrimination occurs while decision making takes place.
Reminding that the state has more Christian population, Marak said, "God dwells where women are respected".
She also emphasized on the multi-tasking job of women in every society who have more responsibility in doing the household chores along with their official work.
She further called upon the need to eliminate the word 'Weaker Society' since women have also succeeded in various fields.
Inspector General of Police G H P Raju while sharing his observation during panel discussion said that during the years 1996 there was no eve-teasing in the state of Meghalaya except for few rape cases.
But, nowadays crimes against women have increased and therefore, he called upon the citizens to take the initiative for finding out the causes of these crimes and solve these problems collectively.
State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chief Meena Kharkongor highlighted about the provisions of Indian Penal Code in relation to Crime against Women, Domestic Violence and Maintenance Act, while Dr. Rica Lamarr, Founder and Project Director, Manbha Foundation explained about the nature and causes of substance abuse and alcoholics.
