FELICITATION PROGRAM of Pi Nemcha Kipgen, Hon’ble Minister (Social Welfare & C0-operation, GoM) by Churachandpur Women Organisations. cum Inaugration and Dedication of AWCA’s Tailoring Training funded by MSWDC Childline Sub-Centre

On the 20th February 2019, AWCA with the support of all Churachandpur Women Organisation organised a Felicitation cum Inaugral Progam at Churachandpur, Manipur. The program saw participation of about 300 people constituting Guests from the State, MSWDC, Childline Manipur, members from women based organisation, media, AWCA partner organisations and  members from civil society bodies. The program also had a stall set up displaying  pictures,quotations and finished products of the 1st batch of Tailoring and Embroidery  Trainees

The program began with an opening prayer  by Pi Nemzahat, Prayer Co-ordinator, Kuki Women’s Union (KWU) Ccpur which was then followed by an Welcome and Keynote Address by Ms Grace Zamnu, Secretary AWCA. In her speech, Ms Grace highlighted on the following points

1) History of AWCA and its work in the field of Charity, intervention in the cases of the various forms of VAW including Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Abuse, human trafficking, AWCAs various projects such as NERCoRMP Child line, Legal Aid Clinic, various livelihood projects in Tailoring Training. AWCA also played a lead role in organising the 1st Women Football Tournament in Churachandpur.

2) Tailoring and Embroidery Training provided by MSWDC has by far benefited 20 marginalised women of the community. Another batch of 20 women are yet to be trained. Ms Grace expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards MSWDC and acknowledge and is beyond grateful for the concern of Madam Jacintha Lazarus the then Director of Social Welfare Manipur, Madam Nemcha Kipgen Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare and Madam S. Satyabhama, Chairperson MSWDC. Follow up on the trainees will be taken up and assistance will be provided in placements to ensure sustainable results from the Tailoring and Embroidery Training.

3)  She stressed on the need for solidarity of all women organisations of Churachandpur. This is one of the major goals of AWCA. She encourage everyone to put their best for bringing more women in the decision making body.

Ms Grace also expressed her deepest gratitude and pride in being able to honour Shri Nemcha Kipgen, the First ever women minister from the Tribal Community. She shared that this is an example and a role model for the tribal community

and  for all women everywhere.

Ms Grace also shared the need to build the strength of women by adding “…our strength cannot be given, it can only be derived from the Unity and Solidarity of Women ”

She ended her speech welcoming everyone, thanking them for their concern for women’s issue and wishing everyone a good day.

The session also had a formal inauguration of the Tailoring and Embroidery Training Centre by the Chief Guest, Smt Nemcha Kipgen , Childline Sub-Centre by the Special Guest Shri Jibon Kumar Singh, Director Childline Manipur. Rev. Dr Hangpi ,Manlun , Moderator Zou Presbyterian Church has the honour of dedicating the centres.

Ms JL Sawmni , on behalf of all Women Organisations of Churachandpur took the time to express gratitude and honour to Smt Nemcha Kipgen, who is an example and a model for all tribal women. Ima Leimarel Apunba Lup, Kuki Women Union, Hmar Women Association and Tuining Women Association honour the Hon’ble Chief Guest with gifts and produces of textile and handloom products.

The Hon’ble Chief Guest, Smt Nemcha Kipgen took her time to share her gratitude for the honour given to her and for the thoughts on women and empowerement. She is deeply honoured and blessed to have received such grand welcome and love from the women of Churcahandpur. She shared that as the Minister of Social Welfare, she has been working tirelessly and passionately for the cause of tribal people especially women and children. Social Welfare is one of the most important and demanding sector of the government as it takes care of the need of an individual from birth to death. She encouraged women to learn a skill and earn a living. She suggested that women could form groups and capitalize on the available market of Churachandpur. Women who have gained the skill of Tailoring could take orders for uniforms and supply them in the schools.

She further stressed that she will ensure in best capacity to make another batch of tailoring and embroidery training a reality for the women of Churachandpur. She will always be trying her best to allocate funds and schemes for the tribal women wherever possible.

The program also had a short sharing from one of the beneficiaries of  the 1st Batch of Tailoring and Embroidery Training The beneficiary, Miss Lhingsonhoi  shared her gratitude  towards MSWDC and AWCA for creating opportunity for her and other women alike as it had not only built her confidence but also trained her in  new skills and make her aware of her rights and responsibilities as a woman. She aspires to make best use of her skill to be financially independent and support her family.

Sewing Machines and Certificates were distribute to all graduates from the 1st Batch of Tailoring and Embroidery Training. It was handed over to the women by the Hon’ble Chief Guest of  the program , Secretary of AWCA and leaders of the Women Organisation.

Ms Ronica Vungmuankim delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging all staff of AWCA, Civil Society Organisations, SAS Gas  all members present in the function, the Chief Guests and the media for their concern and time.

The program ended successfully with a closing Prayer by Pi Niengpi Singson, President Widow Welfare Association, Churachandpur Manipur.