Honouring the women who have made their mark in the patriarchal system of society and discussion on the role of fairer sex in the development of Jharkhand featured in the agenda of discourse convened by Vikas Bharti here on Monday.
The activists were awarded with Singi Dei Sammaan – named in honour of a war heroine of Oraon tribe from Mughal era. Saraswati Kumari from Ghaghra block in Gumla was honoured with the award for opposing child marriage. Sanju Kumari was awarded for her efforts to save River Harmu.
The event chaired by Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha, was attended by prominent women from government, administration and social service sectors in Jharkhand who deliberated over the problems women have to face in the State and steps being taken to resolve them.
“Men have a crucial role to play in strengthening women. Women are working in all sectors now; they have been working in agricultural sector since long. The education imparted to them should not be merely a package but should aid the development of mind,” said the Goa Governor.
“Women are a force in Jharkhand. Jharkhand can be developed only by developing its women. Educating a girl educates the entire family. The ladies in the State are doing commendable work under self help groups. But migration and malnutrition have been a constant issue among the women of Jharkhand and we are sincerely looking into them,” said Padma Shri awardee Ashok Bhagat, Secretary of Vikas Bharti, while opening the discussion session.
“Around 70 per cent of adolescent girls in Jharkhand are malnourished. This has to be addressed through an awareness campaign,” stated Mridula Sinha, DG of Jharkhand State Nutrition Mission.
Jagannathpur MlA Geeta Koda stated that women SHGs are spreading awareness in villages of the State.