Violence against Women: Recommendation to the Government of Manipur

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

The Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) is a state level network of people

living with HIV and AIDS that represents positive individuals and groups in the

state of Manipur.

State Level Sensitization Workshop on VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN on 15th December

2007 at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal, with Dr. I. Ibohalbi Singh, MLA and

Secretary Manipur Legislature Forum on HIV and AIDS. The program was observed in

connection to the International Campaign to stop Violence against Women (VAW) as

observed the world over from the 25th of November till the 10th of December and

the world AIDS Campaign 2007-08. During the workshop, the following

recommendations were taken and submitted to the Government of Manipur for their

kind consideration and necessary action.

RECOMMENDATION FOR ACTION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR AS TAKEN ON 15th DECEMBER

2007

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, set forth in the

present resolution, will strengthen and complement that process, in which a set

of measures to combat violence against women was recommended, and to the full

implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women, it is imperative that Violence against women is an

obstacle to the achievement of equality, development and peace in every sector.

Recognizing the urgent need for the universal application to women of the rights

and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity

of all human beings, these rights and principles are enshrined in our State AIDS

Policy as including in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so that no

women are vulnerable to any form of violence.

Today, in this workshop we the members present solemnly proclaims the following

Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and urges that every

effort be made so that it becomes generally known, respected and implemented:

Concrete measure should be included in the policy and programs of the government

to safeguard the victims of different form of violence by establishing

accommodation facilities for such Women. With provision of Income Generation

Program for their self sustainability.

Government, civil societies, and concern authorities provides greater supports

and dedicate more human resources within relevant sections, such as the Legal

and Judicial Division, for specific interventions related to women’s rights,

such as effective Implementation of free Legal Aid Cell, helpline center, family

court etc. particularly for the issue of women in all the Districts and sub

divisions.

Provision for more trainings, technical supports and capacity buildings on

women’s issues for the general public, key persons of different nodal agencies,

which includes greater emphasis on political and social empowerment and change,

so as to prevent Gender Based Violence.

Special reservation for HIV infected and affected women to be integrated as part

of the policies and schemes in different concerned sectors. Inclusion of HIV

infected and affected women as member in decision making level at MSACS/DAC/

MSJE/SW/FW and at other related Ministries/bodies.

As some group of women belonging to rural or remote communities, women in

situations of armed conflict, are especially vulnerable to violence so, especial

awareness, education, program related to the reduction of any kind of harm,

should be imparted so as to make themselves improve their leadership quality.

Policies and program especially focused on the women’s sexually related issues

should be integrated in the State Policies, for instance Femidom should be made

available at accessible and affordable price so as to prevent STI and other

related diseases

Promote the formulation and implementation of guidelines or manuals relating to

violence against women especially DV Act. Development of IEC material for

violence against women

Nothing in the present Declaration shall affect any provision that is more

conducive to the elimination of violence against women that may be contained in

the legislation of our State.

Lakhikanta Athokpam

e-mail: <lathokpam@...>