6 July 2024
Mizoram Regional holiday | Saturday |
MHIP Day is celebrated on 6 July every year in the state of Mizoram and is a public holiday. It is a commemoration of the founding of the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl, which is the states largest womens organisation. The name means ‘binding women together. The organisation was founded in the year 1974, at a time when the state of Mizoram was still a union territory in India. The MHIP operates as a philanthropic Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). It comprises of volunteers from different walks of life, all of whom are women. It is not only the largest NGO in the state, it is also the only one that is solely dedicated to the welfare and upliftment of women. The MHIP is headquartered in the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl. It works to end traditional patriarchal customs and traditions that result in the oppression of women. It works for the welfare of women irrespective of caste, creed, or economic background.
MHIP Day is celebrated across the state with special functions presided over by government officials as well as leaders and members of the organisation. The day is also observed by engaging in several community services such as cleaning up the environment. Government offices and educational institutions remain closed on this day since the government declared it a public holiday. This serves to expand awareness and recognition about the organisation and its activities among every single resident of the state. Some of the objectives of MHIP is fighting against atrocities against women. Due to the ceaseless efforts of the organisation, carried out through protests and marches, there have been successful convictions in the case of rapes and murders of women in the state.