International Women’s Day was celebrated across Meghalaya today with a range of events, organised by government and private institutions.
In Tura a programme was organised by the District and Sessions Court where judge and chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority, Dashalin Kharbteng, spoke about the roles and responsibilities of women in society, which were limited to household chores and were usually controlled and dominated by men in the family as well as in society. She urged women to choose to challenge for change by becoming better and responsible citizens in society in future.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Assistant Controller of Examinations, Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE), Balmuri K Marak, pointed out the different phases of life a woman has to go through as a daughter, mother, wife and her own personal or professional career and the struggles she has to face while trying to cope up with these roles daily. Moreover, she has urged all women to empower themselves by asserting their rights and privileges.
Celebrating the contribution of women in all spheres of life, the day was observed by the Department of Social Welfare in South West Garo Hills in collaboration with the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Zikzak, Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS).
International Women’s Day in the district was observed by conducting a discussion-cum-workshop on topics related to women’s health and various health schemes and women’s rights.
Deputy Commissioner Ramakrishna Chitturi encouraged those present to take an active role in decision making, contesting village elections, playing the role of a Nokma, join self-help groups for financial independence and also pay attention to maternal health.
In Dadenggre, a programme supported by MSRLS was organized by Bakdil, in which the chief guest was Sub-divisional Officer Jagdish Chelani. He spoke about the purpose of the day and to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality. He also spoke at length about early marriages and the various problems it creates in a family and the burden it creates on the women getting married at an early age.
Meanwhile, in Shillong, the Meghandini Mahila Samiti, in association with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, organized a walkathon at Lumparing on the theme of women’s empowerment.
The School of Social Work of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) observed the day with women church leaders of the Jingiaseng Kynthei, Laitumkhrah Presbytery, KJP Synod Mihngi. The School of Social Work conducted a capacity building workshop for women church leaders on the theme “Enhancing a safe society through Women Leaders” with the objective to work with the churches in realising their social responsibility in society. There were 48 participants from over 20 churches under the Laitumkhrah Presbytery.
In Ri-Bhoi, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm and spirit at the university campus.
USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, Vice-Chancellor Prof GD Sharma and other university staff were present at the event.
On the occasion, the ‘USTM Woman of Substance Award 2021’ was bestowed upon Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairperson and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment for her contribution in the field of entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
As part of the day’s events, 12 sanitary pad vending machines were officially launched on the USTM campus. Fifty-seven percent of USTM’s students are female, along with 75 percent of its staff.
On the occasion, a debate competition on the topic of “Menstrual Taboos and Myths Prevent Women’s Liberty” was also held where the university students actively took part.
In Mawkyrwat, the office of the District Mission Manager, DMMU/MSRLS/NRLM, South West Khasi Hills District organised a Self Help Group market called, ‘Ka Cjiew Longkme’ which was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor.
