HT Correspondent
TUTING, Sept 24: The Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS), Tuting Branch, organised a one-day legal awareness programme at Solung Ground, Tuting, on September 23, with the aim of raising awareness among women of the sub-division. The event drew wide participation from local women, community leaders, government officials, self-help groups and representatives of various institutions, reflecting the growing commitment to women’s empowerment in one of the remotest corners of the state.
Advocate Kani Nada Maling, President of the APWWS Central Executive Committee, attended as chief guest and commended the Tuting Branch for its consistent service to women and children despite the challenges of geographical isolation and limited connectivity.
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Established in 2019, the Tuting unit has steadily grown into a beacon of grassroots empowerment.
President Maling recalled the branch’s recent awareness campaigns across far-flung villages, which educated villagers on issues such as domestic violence, drug abuse and skill development.
In her address, President Maling stressed the urgent need for changing societal mindsets to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
“Without gender equality, true empowerment cannot be achieved,” she said, pointing out that patriarchal attitudes still deny women in remote areas a role in decision-making processes.
She urged both leaders and women to work together, noting that while the administration must ensure inclusion, women must also empower themselves to question, voice concerns and step into leadership roles.
“Strong grassroots women leadership is the foundation of gender justice,” she asserted. “Women should not act as puppets. Too often, women are made to sacrifice their voices. For real change, we must step out of our comfort zones and support one another.”
Speaking on legal rights, she drew attention to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and highlighted how many cases of domestic violence are linked to polygamy.
Reiterating APWWS’s long-standing demand for a law banning polygamy, she said, “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 subject of healthcare, Maling emphasised that access to health services is both a basic human right and a constitutional guarantee.
Sharing her experience of road blockades along her journey to Tuting, she expressed concern over the impact of poor connectivity on maternal health.
“The first thought that came to my mind was—how do pregnant women manage to travel in such conditions?” she said, recounting an encounter with a villager who revealed that two women had recently delivered their babies while en route to the hospital in Yingkiong.
“This raises serious concerns for maternal and child health,” she observed.
Calling the programme a success, Maling praised the large turnout and active community participation. She also underscored the importance of marriage registration and, on behalf of ADC Tuting, distributed registration forms to several couples present.
She concluded her address by urging greater departmental convergence with women’s participation at the centre of planning and execution, while extending gratitude to stakeholders for their support.
The event was graced by ADC Tuting Pandov Pertin as guest of honour and Col Mandip Shaw, Commanding Officer of the 5th Dogra Regiment, as Special Invitee.
The programme featured expert presentations from resource persons.
DIPRO Yingkiong Yalik Jerang delivered an orientation on girl child education and women’s empowerment, supported by a PowerPoint presentation.
Major Preeti Thakur of the 155 Field Regiment gave a session on cervical cancer and its prevention.
Advocate Pilot Apang spoke on the issue of polygamy, while Tuting Police Station OC Jumken Rina and his colleague sensitised participants about the POCSO Act, 2012, and the NDPS Act.
On the sidelines, the 155 Field Regiment organised a health camp under the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan” and Poshan Maah, providing free consultations and medicines to women and children.
APWWS general secretary Oyang Duggong presented a detailed report of the Society’s activities between 2019 and 2025, thanking President Maling for inspiring members through her presence and words.
The programme saw active participation from CDPO Tuting, Tupi Bagra, APWWS Advisor Tuting Smti Ticheng Jamoh, Tuting Branch President Smti Tatam Danggan, along with members of APWWS, women from neighbouring villages, representatives of ArSRLM BMMU Tuting, self-help groups, heads of departments, public leaders, PRI members, Gaon Buras, senior citizens, members of the Indian Army and the general public.
Their enthusiastic presence made the event a collective effort towards raising awareness and reinforcing the movement for gender justice in Tuting.
