The NEYI CHETNA 2.0 National Gender Campaign was launched today at the state level in a function organised by the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) here today.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh participated in the event virtually. In her speech, she underscored that gender-based violence, specifically violence against women and girls, is a global pandemic. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in three women worldwide has encountered either physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Lyngdoh noted that this generation is marked by active participation and, in states like Meghalaya, significant progress has been made after years of testing National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) programmes.
Highlighting the state’s advancement in forming community-driven organisations within the livelihood mission, she acknowledged the challenges that come with such mission-mode activities.
Furthermore, Lyngdoh stated, “In the ongoing NRLM programme, we anticipate facing challenges. Currently, the programme is directed towards recognising women in their natural settings. This poses a substantial challenge, not only for the women themselves but also for those around them.”
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah explained that the greatest role in bringing in change is that of the community. Community-based solutions are the only way to tackle ingrained societal problems.
“As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it’s essential for each of us to reflect on our contributions. The notion that women bear the brunt of responsibilities is a common perception, and today prompts us to assess our actions. We must question whether anyone, regardless of gender, deserves to face violence, be it at home or school, especially children,’’ Kurbah said.
Emphasising that gender violence isn’t exclusive to females, she said it’s disheartening to acknowledge that even our young boys are not safe nowadays.
Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Sampath Kumar on the other hand emphasised the significance of the SHG programme not only in the state but across the entire country, considering it a crucial building block for the nation. He acknowledged SHGs as a systematic platform, where millions of women actively contribute to problem-solving.
Kumar further highlighted the significance of the community cadre in gender initiatives, stating, “This is a very important initiative that is also required. We really need to bring the knowledge of SHGs to urban areas.” Kumar also shed light on the impactful work happening within SHGs, addressing issues such as maternal mortality, resulting in a notable 40 percent reduction within a three-year period.
Data from National Family Health Survey 5 shows that more than 77 percent of women still do not report or talk about their experience of violence.
Such findings, as well as experiences of violence of women SHG members across the country is what encouraged this initiative. The Nayi Chetna Campaign aims to advance the rights of women and gender-diverse individuals, for a life without fear, and gender-based discrimination and violence.
The campaign was launched on November 25, 2023 and will be observed across 34 states and territories until December 23.
