Just about every corner of society celebrated International Women’s Day today, with the IWD 2024 theme being ‘Investing in Women: Accelerate Progress’, from government to private organisations.
The Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the State Hub for Empowerment of Women and Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), marked the day at the State Convention Centre here.
Women achievers from different fields were felicitated by the state government and they shared their inspiring testimonies.
Cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who is aiming to become the first female Shillong MP at the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, said that women must participate in various livelihood empowerment programmes, as mothers who are better off financially will automatically mean that families are economically better off.
Through the State Rural Livelihood Society, large amounts of funding will be dedicated to women and women-oriented livelihood investment programmes, she informed. “The government is going to invest 18 percent from the Rs 5,000-plus crore for healthcare for women,” the minister added.
Outstanding women achievers, including Nambi Jessica Marak (culinary arts), Kmoin Wahlang and Bonifilia Shullai (sports), Sidalin Marbaniang (innovation), Ratna Rai and Pdiangsngewbha Pohti (self-help groups), received well-deserved recognition.
Sewing machines were also distributed to the Superintendent of Training for Women in Need of Care and Protection.
Elsewhere, IWD 2024 was celebrated in Khliehriat where the Deputy Commissioner, Abhilash Bharanwal, acknowledged the key role played by the District Mission Management Unit (DMMU) in further amplifying the strength of women in economic activities.He also applauded the efforts taken by women in alleviating poverty and maintaining stable incomes for their families through the self-help group (SHG) movement.
At the National Law University, Meghalaya, a programme was held in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Iaikyntiew College and the MSRLS.
The theme here was ‘Digital Literacy- The Transforming Power of Technology in Gender Upliftment’. Addressing the inaugural programme as the chief guest, Delina Khongdup, member of the National Commission for Women, highlighted the ‘Digital Shakti’ project launched by the commission in 2018 to create awareness among women about the use of technology in daily life. Khongdup mentioned that approximately 3 lakh women have been trained under this project in collaboration with different educational institutions across the country. She commended the development and upscaling of women in various fields, where she specially highlighted the dignity of women in the matrilineal society of the state.
Numerous other programmes were also held on the day. In Shillong, the Seng Kynthei of Laitumkhrah Pyllun organised a medical camp at Nongrimmaw in collaboration with the Urban Primary Health Centre Demseiniong and NEEPCO.
SPARK, an NGO, held special programmes for women in various locations. The events were held at Mawlong Umsawli village, Iewduh slum, Mawlynrei Traishnong village and Rangmen Nongsder village, with more than 200 women participating. The aim of the programme was to provide a special platform to these women from less privileged families who remain the unsung heroes and recognise their valuable contributions. President of SPARK, Shima Modak, also sensitised them about women’s rights in order to build up their capacity to fight against increasing instances of crimes against women.
The Lawei Ba Phyrnai Cluster Level Federation Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society organised its IWD 2024 programme in conjunction with its second annual general meeting at the Mawsmai Durbah Hall. SHGs from 14 villages under the Shella Bholaganj block were represented at the event.
The Border Security Force (BSF) observed the day at its Meghalaya headquarters in Shillong as well as in the field. The main event was organised by the BSF Wives’ Welfare Association. Cultural programmes, games, quizzes, etc were held to celebrate the vital roles that women play in society.
The National Sample Survey Office’s regional division in Shillong observed IWD 2024. Speaking on the theme, Deputy Director M Nongrum said that if there is proper investment of time, money and resources in every girl child, societal progress will invariably follow.
ICAR-KVK Ri-Bhoi organised a programme for 250 women farmers and entrepreneurs from the district.
The Pro Bono Associate Club, part of the Department of Law at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), commemorated the day with a poster making competition to raise awareness about gender equality and empower participants to express their creativity and advocacy through art.
An inter-college event was held in Shillong at Martin Luther Christian University, organised in partnership with Synod College.
Iamon Syiem, former Chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights was the chief guest and Prof Polly Vauquline, Department of Women’s Studies at Gauhati University, as the resource person.
The chief guest shared her experience as the former head of the Child Rights Commission on the issue and challenges faced by women in Meghalaya. She gave an overview of the domestic violence that involves both sexes and talked on the importance of maternal and neonatal health.
The programme was attended by faculty and students from Synod College, Sankardev College, Shillong College and MLCU.
At Shillong College, the institution’s women’s wing invited female entrepreneurs to speak on campus. Inspiring talks were delivered by Kynjaisuk Mawthoh, proprietor of Tirupa Sunrise Production, Jean Manners, owner of microbakery Iingshet and Dasumarlin Majaw, owner of Smoky Falls Tribe Coffee.
