Mizoram women comprise 43.98% of the workforce

Women folk in Mizoram boasts to contribute a healthy 43.98% of the total work force, according to a new book published here.

The population of working women is increasing in the state as they are emancipated a lot here, and they now constitute 43.98% of the total work force, Dr Lalhriatpuii said in her book 'Economic Participation of Women in Mizoram' published last week.

Lalhriatpuii, however, lamented that in the strict Mizoram patriarchal society, the rise of women is often put on brakes especially in the villages.

"Many women in the villages are compelled to perform household chores and have no opportunity to take up any career or jobs outside the confine of the homes and also due to lack of educational qualification amongst the womenfolk," she said.

Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) or Mizo Women's Federation leaders are upbeat due to the recent announcement
by the state government that six seats out of the total 19
seats of the Aizawl Municipal Council would be reserved for
the fairer sex.

MHIP leaders like Lalbiakengi said that reservation for women in the Parliament and state assemblies would go a long way to empower the women, especially in Mizoram which did not have any women representation in the state Assembly since 1989.