Shillong, Oct 29: The International Day of the Girl Child was observed in Eastern West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights”.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, the programme was organised by the District Social Welfare Office, West Khasi Hills in collaboration with District Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women at Tirot Sing Memorial Hall, Mairang.
Deputy Commissioner Anita Kharpor emphasised the importance of recognising women’s worth and urged every girl to understand her rights and uphold self-respect. DSWO D Pakyntein, WPSI Mairang B Nongrang, other officials and students from various schools attended.
On the occasion, sanitary pad vending machines were distributed free of cost to schools in the district.
In South West Khasi Hills, the celebration was organised by the District Sankalp Hub at St Vianney’s Auditorium, Mawkyrwat as part of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.
District Child Protection Officer PM Wahlang spoke on child rights while counsellor and career expert Dr S Maxwell Lyngdoh addressed the gathering on ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights.
Prizes were distributed to winners of drawing, slogan writing and 5-km running competitions held as part of the programme. Musical performances and a skit to raise awareness on issues affecting girls were also presented.
