Women’s rights activists and working ones on Saturday said the Northeast, Assam in particular, is the safest working zone for women.

Nita Paul, retired professor and head of department (political science), Women’s College, Tinsukia on Saturday said, “There has been always a supporting environment for women employees in our state.”

She was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a wall magazine with the theme —Women Empowerment and Our Northeast — at Learners’ Educational Institution here.

Paul stressed on hundred per cent education of women to stay ahead in changing times.

Virginia Bradsreet, chief convener, National Alliance of Assam Women’s Organisation, told The Telegraph, “I personally believe that the Northeast region, Assam in particular, is one of the safest working zone for women across the country, a joint effort by North East governments can meet the new challenges of women safety in the days ahead.”

“Workplace around the world have for a long time been designed by and for men but thanks to the rich heritage of Northeast where there is no gender discrimination. Men and women are equal and together in almost all fields from cultural activities to work activities,” Bradstreet added.

Indira Karmakar, a child rights activist, said, “One of the key challenges that the women face is the existence of patriarchy in various spheres of life, regardless of one’s education, abilities and experience but we, the northeastern people, are fortunate that such systems are not compulsory here, in Meghalaya there is a matrilineal system.”

However, reports say, over the last few years companies have been striving to understand women employees and the multiple roles they play outside the workplace better.

A woman’s responsibilities away from the office may at times hinder her from being available at work the way a man is, and this could earlier be seen (elsewhere) as a disadvantage.

Newer policies do not just hinge on promoting employees who are more active.

Organisations are recognising that women have greater patience and the ability to prioritise, nurture and negotiate.

“Women in the Northeast are shining in almost each and every field — Hima Das, Mary Com, Irom Chanu Sharmila, Sanjukata Dutta, Sanjukta Parashar and hundreds others. This is due to its healthy atmosphere for women that exist in the entire Northeast since ancient times. I am from Uttar Pradesh and find Assam as heaven for women,” Sandhya Singh, a teacher, said.