Jowai, Dec 13: The district level gender campaign was launched on December 9 in West Jaintia Hills District on the theme, “Women Leading the Way; Economic Empowerment for Inclusive Growth Towards a Viksit”.
Organised by the District Mission Management Unit, the campaign focuses on enhancing the economic status of women under Nayi Chetna 4.0.
Project Director DRDA and Nodal Officer, DMMU B.Blah highlighted the need for gender equality. She noted that while the society is matrilineal, many women still face challenges such as domestic violence and limited decision-making opportunities. She emphasised that the campaign, which is being launched nationwide aims at fostering awareness, understanding and collective action to ensure gender equality.
She further explained that the rally symbolises collective action, encouraging the public to recognise the importance of equality. She underlined that men are equally important in this process, as the primary goal of the campaign is to promote unity between men and women, ensuring that both share responsibilities and participate equally in decision making at home and in the community.
Blah also highlighted the importance of safety, mobility and access to opportunities for all residents of the village, stressing that a truly inclusive society can only be achieved when everyone regardless of gender feels secure, valued and empowered to contribute to the growth and development of the village.
The speaker from the office of the DSWO shared information about the various services available for women through the department while the speakers from the DLSA spoke about women rights.
Padmashree Trinity Saioo shared her experience on women as economic contributors.
A skit on the theme was performed by Laskein VO and CLF. A felicitation ceremony was also held to honour gender champions,VO SAC and Headman for their contributions to promoting gender equality.
As part of the Gender Campaign, a rally from Kiang Nangbah Stadium, Dongmihsngi, Jowai was flagged off.
More than 1300 participated in the campaign including Self Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VO), Community Level Federation (CLF) from four C&RD Blocks Thadlaskein, Namdong, Laskein and Amlarem, marched with placards and raising slogans promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The rally culminated at the District Library Auditorium in Mynthong, Jowai.
