8th International Women’s Conference held

Bengaluru, February 25, 2018 (DIPR): Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen strongly affirms that Manipuri women since time immemorial have played exemplary roles in the socio-economic and cultural life of Manipur. This was expressed by the Minister at the 8th International Women’s Conference (IWC) 2018 titled – ‘Life: A Mystical Journey’ held at at Vishalakshi Mantap at The Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru held from February 23 to 25, 2018.

Addressing the media during the conference, Minister Nemcha highlighted that Manipur has witnessed the successful responsibility of collective women’s power in the past and also till the present day. She also stated how women strongly contributed in the economy of the state by citing the example of Khwairamband Bazar also known as Ima Market (Mother’s Market), the world’s only market place run by the women. Women dominate the markets in the rural and urban areas of the state, she added.

She also noted that Manipuri women’s dominance in the field of sports not only in the national level but also in the international level is highly remarkable.

Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honours amidst many accomplished women – achievers, artists, sportswomen, policymakers from 60 countries including 250 delegates, 75 speakers, 100 from rural areas, 60 from over 30 colleges, Social Welfare Minister felt overwhelmed and expressed that the conference gave platforms for women from all walks of life to explore ways to intensify the message of peace and empowerment equipped with spiritual tools, to engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from each other’s inspirational life stories, service to society and highlight the many ways in which women contribute to the country and the world as a whole.

She further stated that IWC 2018 offers a great insight into how women can contribute to the betterment of the society while simultaneously discovering the power of inner strength through spirituality.

The conference witnessed addresses from dignitaries including D. Roopa, IGP, Karnataka; Former Chairman, SBI, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Actor, Rani Mukherji, actor, Dr Jiko Haveni, first female speaker in the Fijian Parliament. As part of the conference, women achievers from diverse fields were awarded with the Vishalakshi Award for their impactful contribution for making a difference in their professional spheres. The role of men in empowering women was also recognised by felicitating them through the Acharya Ratnanand Awards.