A representative receives the Nari Shakti Puraskar
| |
| Formation | July 6, 1974; 49 years ago (1974-07-06) |
|---|---|
| Founder | B. Sangkhumi |
Region served | Mizoram |
Official language | Mizo |
| Award(s) | Nari Shakti Puraskar |
Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (meaning "binding women together" in the Mizo language) or MHIP was formed in the union territoryofMizoram, India, on 6 July 1974. It aims to empower women and support women's rights.[1][2][3] Following the 2009 decision of the Delhi High Court to legalize same-sex relationships, MHIP joined an anti-LGBT alliance with Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP).[4]
In 2013, MHIP was behind several bills proposed in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, such as the Mizo Marriage Bill, the Mizo Inheritance Bill, and the Mizo Divorce Bill.[1] The 2014 Mizo Marriage Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act abolished the customary practice in which a wife was left with nothing after a divorce and established that a wife could end up with up to 50 per cent of any property.[2][5] During the 2018 assembly elections, MHIP repeated its calls for more women to stand as candidates.[6] MHIP was led by B. Sangkhumi and then by Lalthlamuani.[7][8]
In Mizoram, 6 July is marked as MHIP Day and is a national bank holiday.[3] The group was awarded the 2016 Nari Shakti Puraskar.[9]
