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Today, women's
empowerment has become a growing concern both
at the national and international levels on
the subjugated and the disadvantaged position
and status of women in the society. In India
too, the concerned Government departments,
numerous women's groups, NGO's and
International agencies are endeavoring to
espouse the cause of women as a part of their
initiatives. They have taken many policies and
programs that aim to enhance women's
confidence, their rights, financial freedom
and improve their rights, financial freedom
and improve their inter-personal relations,
leadership qualities, general management
abilities etc.
In 1750, many
countries of the world started to draw much
attention towards the then existing status of
women and were aware of their importance in
the society and home. Hence, women had been
honored for their immense service. Still
today, 8 March is observed as International
Women's Day at international as well as at
national levels.
In Manipur, one
can easily find out with the help of the
living examples laid before us, how far women
contribute and influence in the society. And
from the Manipur's ancient legends and myths,
we all have been aware of the existence of
several goddesses with their distinguished
functions and duties. Some goddesses of
Manipur are - Goddess of paddy (Phouoibi),
Goddess of Wealth (Emoinu), Goddess of fish (Ngareima),
Goddess of water (Ereima), Goddess of Salt (Thumleima),
Goddess of lightning (Nongthangleima), Goddess
of Land (Lamleima) etc. It logically indicates
the importance and role of feminine gender in
Manipur from the time when this land was
created.
Manipur women,
from time immemorable have been taking
important roles in the society - in the
context of economy of the State, critical
social issues and political sphere which is
somewhat unconstitutional but cultural that
flows down from the ancient bravery, patronage
of culture, dedication, hard work and sense of
responsibility. As a matter of fact, they have
been cultivated with the sense of
responsibility and strong determination.
Despite the facts,
there have been strong activities of women in
the present society in Manipur as they fight
against atrocities, injustice and numerous
anti-social issues. With their untiring
efforts, they challenge against any
anti-social elements that would bring harmful
to the society. Besides the house hold works
and occupation being followed as a supplement
to their families, they strongly take part in
agitations against the kidnapping of innocent
persons for a ransom, killing among groups,
killing of people (who are punishable
according to UGs though there is room for
correction and forgiveness) by UG's.
In addition to
this, they also fight against alcoholics, drug
abuse, AIDS, immoral acts and harassment by
security forces against innocent people.
Hence, their participation in the social
issues becomes uncountable and never ending
story while they look after the household
works and maintain their homes with motherly
services.
Let us look back
to history of Manipur. We will find something,
very unique about the ladies of Manipur. The
great achievements done by Manipur women and
their roles in the past was quite remarkable
and unforgettable.
The two Nupilal
movements in 1904 and 1939 led to many reforms
in the trade policy and administration of the
British Government in Manipur. In fact, the
Nupilal started as a rice agitation, against
the trade policy of the then existing Govt.
And in 18th and
19th century, men folk had to join the
military force compulsorily for the State
which was engaged in frequent wars with
enemies. The large participation of men folk
in war led to the need of women to take part
in agriculture as well as in controlling the
market.
The present 'Khwairamband
Bazar' at Imphal, run by women, was set up in
1950. This also witnesses the importance and
role of Manipur women in the economy of the
State. Consequently, having held the active
roles in the market, they also got a golden
opportunity in forming a collective body or
force.
They organized and
discussed on many social issues plaguing the
State. In inspite of this, fame and reputation
was earned by women of the State in the field
of games and sports, art and culture, handloom
and handicrafts and in various fields.
Manipur women
surprisingly do not widely participate in
decision making. This policy of
non-interference in decision making has
contributed positively towards preserving the
customs and traditions.
In the Indian
Constitution, provision was made to protect
the customary practices and the laws of the
communities. But it seems that customary laws
are more operational and powerful than the
Indian Penal Code, as we've seen in the
present society of Manipur.
Although the
Constitution grants many provisions of
customary laws which promotes gender equity
and ensures that the rights are maintained,
customary laws can not yet be regarded as
gender sensitive.
Lastly, Manipur
women's never-ending activities in the society
will be carried on forward with their iron
wills in the future too, not only for the
upliftment of the society and peace but also
for their own rights. |
