A Christian women’s gathering in North East India declared 2010 - 2020 as ‘A Decade of Women for Change’.

The declaration was made after over 500 women leaders from Assam, Arunachal, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland gathered for a 3-day program organised by the Baptist Women Fellowship (BWF) in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur.

The event under the theme “Women in God’s Design” urged them to be rooted in Scriptures and stand up for the cause of human rights.

According to the organisers, the program was aimed at preparing women to face the present day “development situation” as equal partners at all levels by sharing and expounding the ‘Word of God’.

The participants were urged to “stand up at times of injustice and atrocities committed against women and children, and be a service to those suffering across communities and states.”

They also expressed grave concern over the grievous situation in NE India, specially the recent fake encounter killings that rocked the insurgency-hit state.

Apparently this has led them call for a one-day fasting prayer for “peace and justice” on Nov. 29 in all the Baptist churches in North East India.

The main speakers of the conference were Dr AK Lama, General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches in NE India (CBCNEI); Dr Limatula Longkumar, Vice Principle of the Eastern Theological College, Jorhat; and Karen Allen, Medical Technologist & Educator, USA.