A ten-day campaign to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child took off in West Jaintia Hills district at a function held at the Northeast Adventist University in Khliehtyrshi.
The programme held yesterday was organised by the office of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the aegis of the District Social Welfare Officer.
Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla who attended the programme as the chief guest highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality in education, healthcare and leadership opportunities for girls.
He emphasised the important role of girls and women in the matrilineal society and also the challenges they faced, like maternal mortality rate, which remain prevalent during pregnancy as most women continue to follow traditional childbirth practices. He also pointed out the rises in crimes like rape, murders etc. attributing it to the misuse of technology and social media.
He also underscored the significant participation of girls and women particularly in sports and various other fields at both national and international levels breaking all stereotypes.
Shylla cited the new Women Reservation Bill which reserves 33 per cent seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies and encouraged women to step forward and participate in politics. He urged women to get involved in various fields, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing social justice and inclusivity.
“Girls and women have the potential to become effective leaders in various spheres of society, such as politics, business, academia, and civil society. Their leadership brings diversity of perspectives, innovative solutions, and a more inclusive decision-making process,” he said.
Thadlaskein BDO, Dr. H. Niang spoke on the importance of women empowerment taking into account the physical and mental health of the girls and women. He said when girls and women are empowered through education, employment opportunities, and financial independence; they become active contributors to the economy and society.
Officer in charge of Women Police Station Jowai, I Kharpran was the resource person at the programme. She spoke on crime against women and children and laws related to women safety and security.
District Social Welfare Officer Y Najiar in her introductory speech highlighted the important schemes and services under Mission Shakti focusing on women’s safety and empowerment.
She informed about the One Stop Centres (OSCs) for women facing violence, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, the 181 women helpline, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana that aims to compensate for loss of wages due to pregnancy and childbirth and the Palna or National Creche Scheme.
