Shillong: Concerned over the discrimination
faced by women, Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang today said
the strength of the fair sex cannot be ignored and underscored
the need for total involvement of women in the process of
change, progress and development.
“Throughout the world, women are still beset with
numerous problems of discrimination, exploitation, gender
oppression, besides other social and economic problems which
have hindered their progress,” Lapang said at a regional-level
conference on women’s rights here.
He said crime against women in the North East was
increasing as in other parts of the country.
“The National Commission for Women has identified
some of the factors that have hindered the progress of
development of women. There is a serious concern at the
increasing rate of crime and atrocities committed against
women,” he said.
Lapang called for an effective strategy mechanism
on women’s right guaranteed under the provisions of the
Constitution.
Stressing that women need to be empowered with
knowledge, awareness and capacity building, he said there is
an urgent need for widespread movement by women for peace and
development.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 22:05