Jengging, Apr 25: The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) of Yingkiong and Jengging branch, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), successfully organised a daylong legal awareness programme here, on Friday.
The event aimed to inform and empower the local community, particularly women and youth, through informative sessions on legal rights, digital safety, health, and social empowerment.
Key sessions focused on the New Criminal Laws (NCL), safer internet day, and women’s health. These were delivered by insightful resource persons.
APSCW chairperson Kenjum Pakam, in her address, emphasised the importance of girls’ education, the prevention of early marriage, gender equality, and monitoring children’s screen time.
Speaking on challenges in the digital age, she drew attention to serious issues faced by women on social media platforms. Citing cases handled by the Commission, she noted how women often fall prey to online relationships that later result in domestic violence and abuse.
She urged young women to exercise caution in online interactions and be aware of their legal rights.
Pakam also underscored the vital role of self-help groups (SHGs) in achieving financial independence for women. She encouraged participants to utilize various government policies and welfare schemes dedicated to women's upliftment and empowerment.
APSCW vice-chairperson Nabam Yahi Tad, delivered a passionate speech on women’s empowerment and their crucial role in building a healthy society. She highlighted that women undertake nearly 80 per cent of responsibilities both at home and outside, yet their efforts often remain unacknowledged.
Urging women to assert their rights, she encouraged them to preserve cultural values and support local products and artisans. Expressing concern over the misuse of protective laws by a few individuals, she appealed to women to use these laws judiciously, for protection, empowerment, and justice.
APSCW member Kago T Yasung conducted an informative session on women’s health, with a special focus on cervical cancer awareness and prevention. She stressed the importance of recognising early symptoms, regular screening, HPV vaccination, and health education to reduce risks and ensure timely detection.
Another APSCW member Ngurang Nama, elaborated on the Commission’s powers and responsibilities. She informed attendees that over 350 cases had been handled during their current tenure.
She shared a key success story, the Commission’s recommendation to increase age relaxation for contractual government employees, which was recently approved by the state cabinet.
She also advocated for court marriages among the youth, emphasizing legal safeguards and the necessity of proper documentation in modern society.
Deputy commissioner Talo Jerang, who also graced the occasion, lauded APWWS and APSCW for hosting the programme in Jengging.
“This initiative will go a long way in empowering women to know their legal rights and responsibilities. In fact, men should also shoulder the responsibility to ease the burden carried by women. We should respect women, not just in words but in our actions too,” he said.
He further urged APSCW to identify areas where women are most vulnerable and increase awareness among men to foster shared responsibilities and a gender-equal society.
The event was efficiently coordinated and administered by Jengging EAC Maloti Tamin, who ensured smooth conduct of all sessions.
The event saw active participation from heads of departments, members of APWWS Yingkiong and Jengging branches, gaon buras, self-help groups, Karko legends, local residents especially women and youth from Jengging, Karko, Gosang, and nearby villages, as well as police personnel.
