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Guwahati, April 9: The state government has plans to institute mahila (women’s) clubs in every village and block across the state to enable women to gather necessary information about ways to avail of women-oriented schemes.
Women with grievances can also seek guidance from these clubs about who to approach for justice.
The move was revealed by members of the Committee for Social and Economic Development of Women during a meeting organised by the Assam State Women’s Commission here today.
“Although the state as well as the Union government have in the past few years launched several schemes to promote the development of women, there are still many women who do not know about these schemes and the right way to avail of them. They are not aware of their rights and the benefits that they should get under these schemes. Mahila Clubs that will be instituted in all block and village levels will act as information centres for these women. This will help better implementation of these schemes,” said E. Alam, deputy director of the social welfare department.
“Rural women who may be victims of rape and domestic violence keep mum and do not get justice mainly because they do not know who and how to approach for justice. Such women will be assisted by these Mahila Clubs regarding where they should file their complaint and how they can get legal assistance to punish the guilty who may have caused them physical or mental harm,” said Alam.
The state government has allotted Rs 50 lakh for establishing these clubs across the state.
Assamese novelist and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award, Rita Chowdhury, said, “It is very essential that women first realise their worth and respect themselves. If they lack self-confidence, no amount of government schemes can empower them in the true sense. Women’s empowerment is necessary as men and women have to march ahead hand in hand for promoting development of society in general.”
“In that case, the Mahila Club can play a pivotal role in educating women and disseminating information about the rights their rights. These in turn will empower a woman to stand up against any injustice meted out to her in society. With the passage of time, a positive change in the mindset of people is noticeable as women now are being given the opportunity to educate themselves and become self-reliant,” she said.
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