Shillong : IIM Shillong today launched its Discrimination Against Women Pakhwada with the theme, Inclusion: Building Relationships with Respect and Dignity. It is a 15-day event that will be held from November 25 to December 10.

Worldwide, laws and regulations ensuring women’s rights have been enacted, but much still needs to be done.

The inaugural ceremony started by Prof. Vishakha Bansal, Presiding Officer, Internal Complaints Committee welcoming the chief guest and in her welcome speech, she told the audience about the context in which theme of the Pakhwada was decided on. Speaking on the theme, Prof Bansal said how any relationship between men and women have to be based on a solid foundation of mutual respect and dignity.

The inauguration ceremony of the event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Smt. Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, Director General, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Shillong, Meghalaya, who inaugurated the Pakhwada. In her inaugural speech, Smt. Nongrang spoke about how society and societal values play on the minds of people and are a critical factor in mainstreaming of women.

Smt. Nongrang continued that people’s thoughts have to be positive and accept the inclusiveness of women, which will result in true women empowerment. She informed the audience that India currently has 56 statutes to bring about and further strengthen women empowerment. She also suggested that everyone should be aware about these statutes, which will then educate people on women’s rights.

Prof. DP Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong, addressed the gathering at the inaugural ceremony and put forth his thoughts on how women are today contributing in all spheres of life and at all levels. He said that IIM Shillong, in collaboration with the Government of India, has started a number of programmes to empower women.

The audience at the ceremony also watched a video on women’s empowerment initiative in IIM Shillong. A vote of thanks was then presented by Ms Golda L Saiborne, Member, Internal Complaints Committee at IIM Shillong at the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony.