By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The representatives from the women’s organisations who met the newly appointed chairperson of the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission (MSWC), Theilin Phanbuh on Wednesday urged her to find out a mechanism to address the alarming rise of crimes against women in the state.
The various women’s organisations which includes the CSWO (Agnes), freedom project, Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei, Synjuk Kynthei and North East Network (NEN) extended their appreciations and congratulations over Phanbuh’s recent appointment as the new chief of MSWC following the resignation of its former chairperson, Roshan Warjri last month.
They handed over a welcome letter to Phanbuh while reminding her of the immense responsibility the new role entails and the expectations of the women’s movement to see the commission function in an independent and fearless manner.
As per the letter of appreciation to Phanbuh, the women’s organisation highlighted some of the key issues which needed to be addressed.
The representatives of the women’s organisation said there is an immediate need to address the alarming rise of crimes and violence against women and girls by putting in place mechanisms like a specialised Directorate of Prosecution for crimes against women and girls, setting up of Fast Track Courts, having in place dedicated Investigation Officers for crimes against women and children, particularly sexual offences including rape. Taking up with the government for re-notifying the jurisdiction of courts in cases of crimes against women and children whereby such cases should not be sent to the District Council courts but directly to the Sessions Court to ensure speedy trial and justice.
This is the first time since the commission was set up that the Chairperson is one who is part of the women’s movement of the state and who has worked for several years on issues regarding the rights of women.
“I look forward to the support of the women’s organisations in any venture that we undertake, we need to work together with the traditional institutions as well as the government to ensure better service delivery’, MSWC chief Theilin Phanbuh said.
Terming this present task as a challenge for her, Phanbuh said that it is not an easy task to handle the commission without the support of many and ‘I will try my best to perform my duty and give justice to the women in dire need of help’, she added.
The newly appointed MSWC chairperson stressed on the need to work together to make Meghalaya free from all these social evils.
“It is ironic to note that the matrilineal Meghalaya which people look up to as a social set-up where women are given utmost respect and security is however, turning into the opposite of what it was once known for and the state at present is witnessing many crimes against women”, Phanbuh asserted.
While extending their support to Phanbuh as she takes on the role of chairperson of the MSWC, the women’s organisations stated that their expectations are high and hoped that the new MSWC chief will use this opportunity to further push for the changes that they had been fighting over the years and those that have been jointly submitted in the form of several memoranda and petitions to the State Government.
The women organisations also put forth the need to institutionalise the process of a Search and Selection Committee at Block and District levels to further strengthen and ensure independence of the Women’s Commission and allow for greater participation of women from across the state.
They also stressed on the need to immediately initiate participatory women’s audit of various government schemes meant for women and girls like ICDS, NREGS, Old Age Pension, NRHM and Maternity Benefit Schemes, PDS etc.
“The powers vested in you (Phanbuh) can be effectively used to challenge all the obstacles that prevent any meaningful intervention to ensure gender equality and justice in our state. We trust that you will be proactive and independent in exercising these powers and in addressing the above and many other issues”, the letter added.