ITANAGAR, 10 Oct: The Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) celebrated its 47th foundation day on Saturday with an outreach programme at Bini Yanga Government Women's College, Poma.

Held under the theme 'Youth - Our Present and Future: The Inclusive Way Forward', the programme featured essay and debate competitions on issues related to women's rights, which saw enthusiastic participation of the students.

APWWS president Jarjum Gamlin Ete spoke about the organisation's journey and the circumstances that led to the formation of its various branches. She urged students to acquire practical skills alongside their academic pursuits.

Emphasising the promotion of traditional weaving, Ete urged the college principal to coordinate with the Industries and Textiles Department to arrange for a trainer to visit the college at least once a week.

"If it happens, you will have many weavers even in three years. Make for yourself, your friends, or even make them for selling. It is something, there is money in it," she said.

Addressing the perception that the APWWS primarily deals with issues of only polygamy, Ete termed it a misconception. She said the organisation had played a significant role in securing reservation for women in the state's panchayati raj institutions.

Referring to criticism that women panchayat leaders are inefficient and allow their husbands to perform their duties, Ete said the APWWS is engaging with various political parties to advocate the selection of capable women candidates genuinely committed to public service.

She urged students to remain aware of such issues and learn to distinguish between right and wrong while choosing their leaders.

Speaking about the patriarchal mindset prevalent among many men in the state, Ete observed that an increasing number of young women are reluctant to marry because they seek equal partners.

"We have encouraged our girls to get educated, given them opportunities to move ahead in life, but our sons have not been sensitised enough. They are still very patriarchal," she noted.

She also highlighted instances of educated women who continue to remain silent about their own rights.

APWWS life member and Apatani Women Association Ziro (AWAZ) president Dr Subu Taso Kampu shared her life journey, from resisting a forced child marriage to becoming the first woman doctor from the Apatani community.

She also recalled that during her association with the AWAZ, a historic decision was taken to abolish the practice of facial tattooing and the wearing of wooden nose plugs by Apatani women.

Urging the students to look beyond economic empowerment, Dr Kampu said, "Money is important only when you are standing on your own. One should be able to utilise your brain."

She stressed the importance of understanding and exercising their rights.

Emphasising the need to prioritise health, Dr Kampu also drew attention to mental wellbeing on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October.

"No health without mental health," she told the students.

Former Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women chairperson and APWWS life member Radhilu Chai Techi urged the female faculty members and students to enrol as members of the APWWS, saying that early association with the organisation would help them better understand issues concerning women.

Speaking on the debate topic, 'Economic Independence Is Not the Only Tool for Women's Empowerment', Techi said financial independence is important but should not be regarded as the sole measure of empowerment.

"Economic empowerment is good, but we should not think in such a way that money is the ultimate thing. Money is just one of the sources to be empowered," she said.

Recalling her tenure as the APSCW chairperson, Techi said the commission, with the support of the APWWS, had drafted the Arunachal Pradesh Marriage and Inheritance Property Bill. However, she said the proposal did not receive adequate support from various groups.

She urged students to understand the significance of the issue, adding that strengthening the property rights of women belonging to Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) communities could help address certain challenges associated with polygamy.

Techi also called upon APWWS members to rethink strategies for empowering women across the state.

"If we have to empower ourselves, our womenfolk and our daughters, then it is very important for us to ask for our rights. Say no to polygamy and say yes to property rights for our daughters and for our women," she said.

She urged the present APWWS leadership to pursue the proposed legislation on property rights for APST women.

College Principal Dr Aruna Gyati Lod thanked the APWWS for choosing the institution as a venue for its foundation day outreach programme. Informing the gathering that she had joined the organisation, she encouraged her female colleagues to do the same.

Despite limited resources, she said, the college consistently records an annual pass percentage of 90-94 percent, while its students regularly secure places among the top 10 performers in semester examinations at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).

She also highlighted the achievements of students in games and sports.

APWWS Yingkiong unit celebrates foundation day

The APWWS' Yingkiong unit in Upper Siang district celebrated the APWWS' 47th foundation day in Yingkiong on Saturday under the theme 'Youth - Our Present and Future: An Inclusive Way Forward'.

Formally affiliated and recognised in 2019, the Yingkiong unit has been actively working for the welfare of women and children, combating drug addiction, and participating in various government awareness programmes.

As part of the celebration, the APWWS unit felicitated former president Kalpana Perme Sitek and former general secretary Kosiang Pangkam in recognition of their remarkable leadership and contributions during their respective tenures.

The unit also honoured three medical professionals of the district - Upper Siang District Medical Officer Dr Gepeng Litin, senior gynaecologist Dr Etuk Jopir, and district hospital anaesthesiologist Dr Joseph Tekseng - for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions to healthcare in the district.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Api Kombo highlighted the importance of APWWS as a vital platform for women, and called for concerted efforts to strengthen the organisation, so that women from all sections of society could benefit from its services.

In her address, APWWS Yingkiong unit president Kasimang Jopir Pazing thanked everyone for their active participation and paid tribute to the pioneering women who established the APWWS, providing women with a platform to lead, support and guide one another.

Former office bearers and distinguished guests also congratulated the APWWS on its anniversary, and urged its members to continue their service towards women's empowerment and emancipation.

A tree plantation drive was organised around the APWWS district unit office premises to mark the occasion. The saplings were donated by Ramsing Wildlife Range Ranger Sisibaying Nophi.

As part of the foundation day celebration, the APWWS Yingkiong unit also organised an essay writing competition on the topic 'Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow - An Inclusive Way Forward' at PM SHRI Government Secondary School, Yingkiong, on 8 October. The winners of the essay writing competition were felicitated with cash prizes and certificates during the celebration.

Government officials, members of the APWWS Simong team, led by its president Aget Sitek, members of the Gorkha Women's team, and members of APWWS Yingkiong unit participated in the celebration.

The APWWS was established on 10 October, 1979, to fight against antisocial practices in the society by a group of women who pioneered women's rights in Arunachal.

Earlier, the programme commenced with flag hoisting and singing of the APWWS anthem. (With DIPRO input)