The Integrated Rural Development and Service Organisation (IRDSO) Wangjing and WiNG Thoubal Chapter jointly organised the observance of International Human Rights Day at the hall of Wangjing’s Potha Inn. The event marked the conclusion of a 16-day campaign conducted by IRDSO and WiNG Thoubal Chapter as part of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign that began on November 25.
Under the theme “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” the programme brought together Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) staying at various relief camps in Thoubal district, women from different localities, and club volunteers, totalling around 150 participants.
As part of the observance, the participants organised a human chain along National Highway 102 (Imphal–Moreh Road) at Wangjing, holding placards with messages such as “Human Rights Are Our Wings,” “Our Rights, Our Future,” “Freedom is Meaningless When Justice is Silent,” “No Excuse for Violence Against Women and Girls,” “Increase the Number of Women Investigating Officers,” “Develop Women Police Stations,” “Respect Rule of Law,” “Struggle But Only for Fairness and Honesty,” “Create Safe Spaces,” and “End Violence Against Women.”
Speakers also highlighted important issues relating to human rights.
IRDSO Chief Functionary and WiNG Thoubal Chapter Convenor Nonibala Narengbam spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment and the need to eliminate gender-based violence. She also emphasized the need for women to be involved in decision-making processes.
Trans-feminist activist and author of the book Yellow Sparrow, and Secretary of the All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association, Santa Khurai, said that the struggles faced by transgender women are often ignored by society. She stated that even though her community is recognised by the state, discrimination persists. She added that being alienated by her own family and rejected by her father made life difficult, but she has risen through these challenges. She stressed that Manipuris must understand the realities of the transgender community and that awareness is crucial for building a more compassionate society.
Like Minded Group Secretary Sorokhaibam Ojit, speaking as a resource person, said that everyone should be aware of their rights and must also help others to understand and exercise them. He appealed to the public to treat women, men, and transgender persons equally.
WANGGPACO Secretary Naorem Iboyaima also remarked that human beings must be able to live with dignity and highlighted various important aspects related to human rights.
Meanwhile, the 16-day global campaign against gender-based violence, jointly organised by IRDSO and WiNG Thoubal Chapter since November 25, concluded with this programme.
After the symbolic closing of the campaign, WiNG promoter Oinam Thoibi said that the campaign collected data on the situation of women, transgender persons, and men from 22 villages across three districts—Kakching, Thoubal, and Imphal East. Several panel discussions were also hosted on media channels. She stated that surveys found that women often face obstacles in taking leadership roles due to household responsibilities, and that transgender persons continue to face serious challenges and discrimination.
Following this, Najima Phundreimayum, Block Mobiliser of IRDSO Wangjing, noted that despite continuing difficulties faced by women, many still juggle numerous responsibilities. She added that women are capable of handling multiple tasks and actively contribute to household work. The campaign also revealed that many families recognise and support the valuable work done by women at home.
