Women in Meghalaya are held in high regard across India, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said today on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
“Our society reveres mothers as goddesses, and this is a tradition that we should carry forward and further improve upon,” Lyngdoh stated.
He expressed hope that women will proactively pursue their goals of gender equality and safety, adding that Meghalaya has already made strides towards achieving the Beti Bachao initiative as the state works towards empowering women.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasised that women are peacemakers and catalysts for economic change. “Many challenges and changes will arise in the next decade, and I believe the women of Meghalaya are more than ready and empowered,” she said.
She encouraged women to embrace this empowerment and demand accelerated action. “You must feel safe in your workplaces. Is there oppression present? Our institutional departments and directorates are dedicated to ensuring that oppressed women have the means to voice their objections. What is the use of a law if it is not operationalised? Many departments are led by women, who can make necessary decisions and accelerate action. I urge all women who have risen to leadership positions in their directorates and departments to support their peers and instil confidence in them to perform better,” she added.
The function which was organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society at the State Convention Center also saw the felicitation and distribution of cheques to SHGs and a women’s bike rally.
The International Women’s Day celebration was held across the state with a range of events organised by government and other institutions.
In West Jaintia Hills, the office of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women in collaboration with Jowai Police organised a bike rally echoing the values of empowerment, unity, strength and progress.
Seventy bikers both men and women, rode together through Jowai town resonating with the rhythms of the Khasi folk song “Kynthei Tur Shaphrang”.
Additional Superintendent of Police CW Lyngdoh who flagged off the rally emphasised that while recognising women’s accomplishment, it is equally important to acknowledge their struggles in various spheres of life.
She noted that the presence of many women riders in the rally itself is a testament to progress, providing that women can ride, drive and even soar high.
Additionally, in the run up to the celebration yesterday, the District Social Welfare Officer in collaboration with District Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women celebrated the event in Jowai under the Theme. “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”
The event also marked the 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative highlighting a decade of efforts to uplift and empower girls through education and gender equality.
Additional Deputy Commissioner DV Lyngdoh stressed on education as the key to empowering women. However, she pointed out that true education is not just about earning degrees but also involves building strong moral values, respect and character.
Additional Superintendent of Police Ishaan Gupta stated that he was born in a state where governance is different from that of Meghalaya. He praised the strength and determination of the women here, acknowledging their contribution in various fields, whether in government office or politics. He also praised the active participation of local communities in social development, highlighting that such unity is rarely seen elsewhere.
A signature campaign was also conducted as a commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and equal opportunities.
In East Jaintia Hills, the celebration was held in Khliehriat which was attended by Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Empowerment of Women Santa Mary Shylla.
Shylla highlighted the various schemes, programmes and policies implemented by the government to uplift the status of women while also impressing upon the gathering to report any cases of discrimination and violence faced by women and further called for collaborative efforts of concerned stakeholders in combating against social evils.
Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi emphasised on the importance of educating all the stakeholders in society that women issues are social issues. Each stakeholder in society must take responsibility to ensure equal opportunity and equal rights for all women and girls in society, he added.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Brand Ambassador Batbitbha Bareh and other women achievers were felicitated on the occasion.
In North Garo Hills, two events were held yesterday at Chilpara under Kharkutta block and Sepikol LP School under Resubelpara block.
Activities such as on-spot job card verification, health check-up, Aadhaar enrolment, social security enrolment and account opening were held for the beneficiaries of the programme. Awareness on job card verification, bank linkage and social security scheme and Vishwakarma scheme was also held sideline by the representatives from various departments.
The State BJP focused on financial empowerment through various central schemes at a function held in Nongpoh.
Various speakers from the women wing of the party addressed the gathering and spoke at length about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continuous attempts to empower and improve the lives of women in India.
Mahila Morcha president Susuki Pariat stated that the party at both the central and state levels have many plans for the empowerment of women in Meghalaya. She urged women to take advantage of Mission Indradhanush, also known as Mission Rainbow, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and the Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) scheme.
