The Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) today launched the “Back to School” campaign under the Social Inclusion and Social Development (SISD) thematic at Shrivan Higher Secondary School, Luwangshangbam, Imphal East. The event was initiated by the Thoungambi Women Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited Cluster Level Federation, Laipham Khunou, and was organized by the Malem Leisana Village Level Federation under GP Luwangshangbam in Heingang CD Block.
Aimed at empowering Self Help Group (SHG) women by reconnecting them with learning spaces and community-based knowledge, the campaign saw the enthusiastic participation of around 130 women. The participants engaged in sessions on key areas such as social inclusion of vulnerable groups, food, health, nutrition and WASH (FNHW), gender mainstreaming, local self-governance with PRI-CBO convergence, and SHG rights and entitlements. All sessions were facilitated by trained community peers, ensuring grassroots leadership and practical learning.
Importantly, the campaign also draws technical support and mentoring from the National Resource Organization (NRO) under Kudumbashree, Kerala’s pioneering poverty eradication mission. Kudumbashree’s model, known for its success in empowering women through SHGs and participatory governance, is being adapted to the local context of Manipur through trained NRO resource persons.
Speaking during the programme, NRO Kudumbashree resource person Girja remarked, “The ‘Back to School’ campaign is not just about returning to classrooms; it is about reclaiming dignity, awareness, and collective power. This initiative is a testimony to how community-led learning can drive real change. The sessions have been thoughtfully designed to reflect local realities while enhancing knowledge that can be applied meaningfully in daily life.”
The campaign stands as a step forward in MSRLM’s broader commitment to inclusive and participatory development that uplifts women at the grassroots through education, awareness, and collective leadership.
