Shillong, Oct 18: Women for Integrated and Sustainable Empowerment (WISE) marked a significant milestone with its Silver Jubilee Celebration at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Laitumkhrah.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Member of Parliament Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon attended the celebration as guests.
During his speech, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality rate, which has dropped by over 50 per cent in the last seven years. He emphasised the importance of economic and social empowerment of women, citing the growth of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from 5,000 in 2018 to nearly 55,000.
Sangma spoke about the MOTHER program, which breaks departmental silos to improve women’s and children’s welfare, and CM-ELEVATE and PRIME. He said the government has reserved 50 per cent of all Village Employment Council positions for women, who now head over 3,000 VECs.
Sangma cited examples of women-led economic growth, including the increase in Lakadong turmeric production and the introduction of Japanese technology for Shiitake mushroom cultivation. He emphasized the importance of investing in children from birth, citing the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program funded by ADB.
Syngkon praised WISE for its integrated and sustainable development approach, which has inspired many. He highlighted the strength of women, saying, “Every woman carries within her the strength of generations, and when a woman stands tall, she carries not just herself but the good of society.”
The celebration concluded with the release of a documentary film chronicling WISE’s 25-year journey and the felicitation of Governing Board Members, staff, and volunteers.
