Itanagar, Mar 8: The International Women’s Day was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday with various programs focusing on gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. Events were organized by government departments, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and self-help groups (SHGs) in different districts under the theme "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment: Accelerate Action.”
In Itanagar, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, and other stakeholders, organized an event at the DK Convention Hall.
Addressing the gathering, WCD minister Dasanglu Pul highlighted concerns related to cybercrimes and financial exploitation, emphasizing the need for awareness initiatives. MLA and advisor to the transport minister, Chakat Aboh, spoke about the increasing representation of women in the state assembly, while Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi urged women to break free from societal constraints and embrace their true identities.
The event featured the screening of a documentary on sexual exploitation and human trafficking, released by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW). APSCW chairperson Kenjum Pakam raised concerns over drug addiction and emphasized the importance of proper Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement. Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) president Kani Nada Maling underscored the role of women in decision-making and launched a women’s empowerment anthem titled “Utho Naari.”
Eight individuals and five institutions were honored with the Women Achievers Award for their contributions to socio-economic development.
In Namsai and Lekang, the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), in collaboration with NABARD and other organizations, organized programs under the theme “Accelerate Action: March Forward – From Promises to Progress.”
At Poi Pee Mau Ground in Namsai, zilla parishad chairperson Nang Urmila Mancheykhun assured continued government support for women’s welfare and distributed sewing machines, incense stick-making machines, and horticulture saplings. A highlight of the event was the Mrs International Women’s Day, Namsai 2025, competition for women aged 50 and above, with Binoda Longphoi winning the title.
A parallel celebration in Lekang at Joidam Ground saw the participation of 3,900 SHG members from 605 SHGs. NABARD and PNB officials encouraged women to engage in financial literacy programs and entrepreneurship through credit-linked government schemes.
Lohit district marked the occasion with a special focus on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme and the Arunachal Rising Campaign.
Union minister of state for railways and Jal Shakti, V Somanna, attended as the chief guest and spoke about government efforts toward women's empowerment. A cooking competition was held to promote nutrition and traditional recipes.
In East Siang, the Department of Women & Child Development, in collaboration with ArSRLM and other organizations, organized a rally and an awareness program. Superintendent of Police Akansha Milind Tamgadge addressed the gathering, focusing on drug abuse awareness, while speakers highlighted improvements in institutional deliveries and prenatal care.
Khonsa, Borduria, and Dadam in Tirap district witnessed Women’s Day celebrations organized by local women’s groups in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations (IPR). Skits on drug abuse and women’s empowerment were performed, while pamphlets on gender equality were distributed as part of the Arunachal Rising Campaign.
At Nehru Stadium in Khonsa, women visited the Missionaries of Charity and the District General Hospital to donate essential supplies. At Borduria, Nocte Women Association chairperson Chasuam Wangchadong spoke about the importance of mutual respect among women in all professions. In Dadam, programs included sports competitions and legal awareness sessions on child protection laws.
The Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), organized a legal awareness and marriage registration camp at Nyokum Auditorium in Doimukh.
Meanwhile, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in partnership with the University Grants Commission (UGC), celebrated Fit India International Women’s Week in collaboration with universities. Programs included expert sessions on mental health, diet and nutrition, yoga, and self-defense training. The week-long event will conclude with a Pink Cyclothon under the Sundays on Cycle campaign.
In Thrizino, the Women Welfare Association, in collaboration with local government agencies, conducted programs addressing drug abuse and early marriages. Thrizino ADC Topek Kakki stressed the importance of completing drug rehabilitation programs and urged young girls to focus on education.
At Pasighat, the Women & Child Development Department organized an awareness rally, followed by discussions on the impact of BBBP. Officials provided insights into improvements in sex ratios and maternal healthcare.
Dera Natung Government College in Itanagar marked the occasion with discussions on gender discrimination and health empowerment. Principal MQ Khan emphasized the need for stronger awareness campaigns to combat practices like polygamy and child marriage. Faculty members highlighted the role of both men and women in fostering gender equality.
The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) Gender Council, in collaboration with the Arunachal Press Club (APC), marked International Women's Day with a sensitization program on "Protection of Women and Child Rights."
The event, held at the APC, aimed to raise awareness about legal protections and responsible reporting.
Inspector Dopi Pakam emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement in safeguarding women and children. She addressed the challenges of underreporting gender-based crimes, urging parents, particularly mothers, to foster open communication with their daughters. Pakam also cautioned against early marriage, highlighting its link to domestic violence.
She clarified that false promises and identity fraud in sexual relationships are criminal offenses, assuring that police prioritize justice in these cases. Additionally, she reminded journalists of their ethical responsibility to protect victim identities.
Child Welfare Committee chairperson Jaya Doji discussed the committee's work in addressing child rights violations, domestic violence, and cases involving orphaned children.
She detailed the legal procedures for child adoption and foster care, acknowledging the risks involved in their work while highlighting their success in resolving numerous cases with the help of law enforcement and legal professionals.
Advocate Kagam Bagra provided an in-depth overview of the POCSO Act, emphasizing its gender-neutral nature and detailing the range of offenses and punishments, including non-contact sexual crimes. She stressed the legal obligation to report suspected child abuse under Section 19 of the Act.
Bagra also highlighted the recent amendments imposing penalties for false accusations, urging journalists to maintain ethical standards when reporting on sensitive cases like child abuse and trafficking, especially regarding location details that might endanger victims.
Meanwhile, APUWJ president Amar Sangno acknowledged the APUWJ Gender Council's efforts in organizing the program and encouraged journalists to apply the knowledge gained.
APUWJ Gender Council convener Appu Gapak also addressed the attendees.
Senior journalist Tongam Rina, APUWJ general secretary Sonam Jelly, and journalists from various media houses attended the event, with certificates of participation distributed later.
The Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha also celebrated the International Women’s Day at the BJP head office here.
The event themed, ‘Financial Empowerment of Women and Organ Donation Awareness Programme’ was led by BJP Mahila Morcha president Kohman Lungphi Ngemu.
The celebration focused on two critical aspects: promoting financial independence among women and raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Ngemu emphasized how the Modi-led BJP government is working towards the upliftment of women by providing various schemes and financial assistance. She also highlighted the importance of organ donation awareness and urged everyone to be informed and take proactive steps.
In Yingkiong, APWWS general secretary Kosiang Pangkam exhorted women to be more proactive in breaking the barrier of gender inequality in the society and know their rights.
The IWD was also celebrated in Mariyang in the district.
The Rajiv Gandhi University also celebrated the IWD.
RGU registrar Dr NT Rikam underscored the remarkable contributions of women in society and academia. He emphasized the progress made by women in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that they are excelling in various fields and surpassing many societal barriers.
Kamalini Dash praised the achievements of women and also highlighted their contribution to the successful implementation of Balvatika.
The event featured an insightful session titled "Women Achievers – A Conversation," moderated by Moji Riba, where distinguished panelists shared insights on success, challenges, and societal changes needed for women’s progress.