Programme on women’s rights in GH

TURA: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) organised a two-day capacity building programme for Seng Kynthei on constitutional and legal rights of women at Bakdil training centre in Danakgre.
MSCW organised the event under Access to Justice, North East and Jammu and Kashmir, and in association with the Department of Justice and Ministry of Law and Justice.
The vice chairperson of MSCW, T R Marak, said the objective of the programme was to disseminate information on women rights. He highlighted various challenges faced by women, including gender discrimination and economic disparity. Marak said women should know about their rights and live with dignity.
Coordinator of MSCW Annie Sohtun highlighted the existence of gender inequality in the modern society. She said society has contributed to the rift between men and women to aggravate societal imbalances. “We (women) should share equal responsibilities with our male counterparts and create an atmosphere of fair gender equality,” she added.
During the technical session of the programme, inspector of police, Janice K Marak, spoke on criminal law, sexual assault and cyber crime. A representative from the District Social Welfare, Tura, spoke on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and the role of the service providers.
Other subjects deliberated included Women and Family Law and procedural guidelines for availing free legal aid and services by District Legal Services Authority and Women’s Reproductive Health Rights by District Medical and Health Office.
Another awareness programme will be held at Rongram market on Saturday to propagate the legal rights of women.
Member and secretary of MSCW, I Tariang, Vice Principal, Lady Keane College, Shillong, Bharati Sangma, representatives from women police cell and women participants from different villages of West Garo Hills attended the programme.