Shillong, June 30, 2018: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) supported by the National Commission for Women, New Delhi organised a one-day Legal Awareness Programme at Block Development Office, Mawryngkneng, East Khasi Hills on Saturday.

MSCW Chairperson, Theilin Phanbuh MSCW Member Secretary, I. Tariang, MSCW Coordinator, Annie Sohtun, besides representatives of Dorbar shnong, women groups, teachers and students from various schools of Mawryngkeng area attended the programme.

In her keynote address, Smti Phanbuh said that the objective of the Women Commission is to seek justice for women, safeguard their rights, and promote women’s empowerment. Smti Phanbuh reiterated that legal literacy is crucial and women should know about their rights, and the Commission will continue to conduct leadership training programme across the State for women and sensitization programme for students and parents to impart legal awareness to women and girls, regarding their legal rights and duties.

Considering the increase of crimes against women, Phanbuh urged the Dorbar Shnong, NGOs and women groups to work together with the Commission to protect the rights of women so as to enable them to achieve equality in all spheres of life and live with dignity in society.

Later, a technical session was held on the topics – Women and the Indian Constitution, Women and Family Law comprising of Marriage, Divorce and Judicial Separation, Maintenance, Special Marriage Act, 1954, PWDV Act, 2005, Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006, free Legal Aid and services, right of arrested women, bailable/non-bailable offences, Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013. Resource persons include Rebina Subba, Adovcate, I. Tariang, Member Secretary, MSCW, Annie Sohtun, Coordinator, MSCW, representatives of the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and Police Department.