7th Conference of AMDWA held

IMPHAL, May 15
The 7th Conference of the All Manipur Democratic Women's Association (AMDWA) , an affiliated unit of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) was held yesterday at Manipur Dramatic Union Hall.
The conference began with the flag hoisting by veteran women activist M Randhoni Devi which was followed by paying floral tribute to the martyrs, said a press release by AMDWA.
Professor Malini Bhattacharjee, former MP and  member of National Women Commission and president of AIDWA while addressing the inaugural session said that the women folk of this country particularly of Manipur should be vigilant against any form of aggression of the Central and State Government.
She went on to categorically state that democracy is undermined in the country because of the faulty electoral system and stressed on the need for a proportional representation system with partial list.  She further said, 'The women of this country should defend secularism and our constitutional rights.'
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Professor Koijam Shantibala Devi of Manipuri Department of Manipur University lauded the three revolutionary women of Manipur namely Maharaj Kumari Binodini, Kumari Thoibi Devi and Pramodini Devi and their significant contributions.
Addressing the gathering, Mariam Dhawale , General Secretary of AIDW said that Manipuri women are in the forefront of fighting injustices.
Pledging unconditional support to the women of Manipur she said that AMDWA, as an affiliated unit of AIDWA should lead the women of the state for betterment and upliftment of the women of the State.
The conference adopted an eight pages printed report placed by Ayekpam Ashabala Devi and other resolutions were adopted including 33% reservation for women in the Parliament and legislative assemblies, against price hike, security for women in workplaces, free and compulsory education, MGNREGA, violence against women, AFSPA etc.
During the conference, a 17 member State Committee was also elected, added the release.