SHILLONG:
Youth Organisation on a Trailblazing Society (YOOTS) organised a state panel discussion on women’s health under the theme ‘Initiate willingness, to wellness’ at U Soso Tham auditorium on September 30.
Four panelists from different fields discussed on pertinent women issues, with students, teachers and parents. They also discussed the National Education Policy (NEP) with the audience.
Speaking at the event, Registar of MIT University Jupitara Kalita said, “The National Education policy, introduced by government will be very helpful to the students as will make room for all round development incorporating studies, physical activities, and other essential skills.
Deliberating on women empowerment, Kalita further stated India still has a long way to go when it comes to women empowerment compared to European countries which are more liberal in discussing women centric issues.
“Wellness to empower women is very important as women have different roles to play in society. Menopause, periods are taboo topics both in schools and at home and rarely discussed in public in India. There is a need to provide proper facilities to women in schools and colleges,” he added.
P.Yobin, advocate empanelled Union of India Counsel Supreme Court of India, said, “It is important to discuss menstruation as many societies are still not open to these things. When we talk about fundamental rights, they are natural like air, light, water. If anybody distorts these rights then it is a violation of law. Therefore, if schools don’t provide clean toilets and water, they are dong injtice to girls. The UN emphasis on these rights.”
“The government of India has extended maternity leave from 12 weeks to six months. These are laws that protect women. The law is in place because it will make India a healthy nation. If pregnancy discrimination occurs at jobs, employment, etc, then it is a discrimination.”
Another panellist, Dr.Kanchan Murarka, obstetrician & gynaecologist, spoke on how girls pass through different stages which are accompanied with problems such as marriage, pregnancy, and menopause. They not only face physical challenge but mental pressure as well.
Murarka emphasised that following a healthy lifestyle from childhood is very essential for good health in the future. She advocated that women should be given social and mental support at all times.
“Teenage pregnancy is very challenging, so prevention is a very important issue. It should start from schools through sex education. Teenage pregnancy is more common in rural areas. If such cases happen, these young girls require the support so that both the mother and baby are healthy.” Murarka said.
Stating that health is wealth, Henry Lamin, Director CDC NEHU, said that an unhealthy person cannot contribute to the society much.
Speaking on the NEP, Lamin said, “The new Education Policy initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will herald a new era in education. He said that it will help students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge.