Tuting, Sep 24: To raise awareness among the womenfolk of Tuting Sub-Division, Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, Tuting Branch organised a one day legal awareness programme at Solung ground Tuting on Tuesday.
Adv Kani Nada Maling, President of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (Central Executive Committee), attended the awareness programme in Tuting as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she commended the APWWS Tuting Branch for its dedicated service to women and children in one of the most remote regions of the state.
Despite geographical isolation and limited connectivity, the APWWS Tuting Branch, established in 2019, has emerged as a beacon of grassroots empowerment. President Maling said the branch stands as a powerful example of how, when women are determined to bring about change, nothing is impossible.
Recently, the branch organized an extensive awareness campaign across several remote villages in Tuting region, educating villagers on crucial social issues including domestic violence, drug abuse, and skill development.
President Maling emphasized the need to change societal mindsets to achieve positive and inclusive development.
“Without gender equality, true empowerment cannot be achieved,” she said, pointing out that women in far-flung areas still face gender disparity, especially in decision-making processes, due to patriarchal attitudes. She noted that development is a two-way process: while local leaders and administrators must ensure the inclusion of women in governance and planning, women must also empower themselves to ask questions, voice concerns, and take leadership roles.
“Strong grassroots women leadership is the foundation of gender justice,” she added. “Women should not act as puppets. Capable women must be encouraged to lead and speak out. Too often, women are made to sacrifice their voices. For real change, we must step out of our comfort zones and support one another.”
President Maling also spoke about the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, noting that many domestic violence cases in the region are linked to polygamy. She reiterated that APWWS has long been advocating for a law to ban polygamy, stating:
“Polygamy is a root cause of gender injustice in many cases. Legal reform is necessary. The law is the most effective instrument to safeguard women’s rights.” On the topic of healthcare, President Maling stressed that the right to access health services is both a basic human right and a constitutional guarantee. Reflecting on her journey to Tuting, she expressed concern over the several road blockades caused by ongoing highway construction:
“The first thought that came to my mind was—how do pregnant women manage to travel in such conditions?” she said. “When I asked a village woman along the way, she told me that two women had recently delivered their babies while en route to the hospital in Yingkiong. This is raises serious concerns for maternal and child health.”
Calling the awareness programme a resounding success, President Maling appreciated the large turnout and active participation from the local community. She also highlighted the importance of marriage registration, and on behalf of the ADC Tuting, distributed marriage registration forms to several couples present. 
In her closing remarks, she urged the administration to promote greater convergence across departments, with women’s participation at the core of planning and execution. 
Pandov Pertin, ADC Tuting, and Col. Mandip Shaw, Commanding Officer of the 5th Dogra Regiment, graced the programme as Guest of Honour and Special Invitee respectively.
As resource persons, Yalik Jerang, DIPRO Yingkiong, gave an orientation on the importance of girl child education along with a PowerPoint presentation on the theme “Women Empowerment – A Reality”. 
Major Dr. Preeti Thakur from the 155 Field Regiment delivered a presentation on cervical cancer and its prevention, while Adv. Pilot Apang spoke on the issue of polygamy. The OC of Police Station Tuting, Shri Jumken Rina, along with his colleague, sensitised participants on the POCSO Act 2012 and the NDPS Act.
On the sidelines of the programme, the 155 Field Regiment also organised a health camp under the aegis of Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan and Poshan Maah, benefitting many people, particularly women and child who availed free health consultations and medicines.
Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) General Secretary, Oyang Duggong, presented an overview of the Society’s activity report for the period 2019–2025 and expressed gratitude to Adv. Kani Nada Maling for her efforts in attending the programme at Tuting and for inspiring members to continue women welfare work selflessly.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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