IMPHAL : Manipur will host the United Nations International Conference to discuss issues related to drug and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS on September 30-October 1, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla announced on Sunday.
She made an announcement while speaking at the 13th foundation day celebrations of the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) in Imphal. Delegates from seven South Asian countries would be participating at the international conference, according to a PTI report.
Chief Minister N Biren, Soso Shaiza, member of the National Commission for Women, MSCW chairperson Prof Binota Meinam, former chairpersons and members of the MSCW and others attended the celebration.
Dr Heptulla also expressed the need to invite the Home Ministers of all the Northeastern states to the conference so that a comprehensive policy to deal with such issues in the region can be drafted.
Stating that crimes against women have been alarmingly increasing in Manipur in the recent past, she opined that women also suffer from other debilitating challenges which put them at a serious disadvantage.
Despite having legislations to protect women, such laws is still hindered or delayed due to lack of awareness of the existence of such legislations, she said, and urged the MSCW to explore ways and means on how to prevent crimes against women.
Chief Minister N Biren, while addressing the gathering, stated that the government has introduced many welfare schemes for women, including setting up women markets and fast-track courts to deal with crimes against women. He said the state was committed to uplift the lives of women and help them live with dignity.
He said many women have being given key positions in various departments, including Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police, apart from giving priority to girl students in educational institutions under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. He said rampant drug use and alcoholism were having a huge adverse impact in society, and appealed to all women to fight unitedly to root out such problems. A newsletter titled Women News Horizon-Vol-III was also released during the celebration
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