Shillong, Mar7: The women’s cell of the Women’s College here observed International Women’s Day 2026 with a programme featuring two guest speakers who addressed students and faculty on themes of scholarship and social intervention.
Dr. Rihunlang Rymbai, Associate Professor at North Eastern Hill University, spoke on this year’s theme “Give to Gain.” She said women give not from deficiency but from strength, adding that “when women thrive, we all rise in a supportive and interconnected world.”
Shima Modak, founder of the NGO ‘SPARK,’ presented her work with marginalised communities, addressing human trafficking and the realities of grassroots intervention. She emphasised that meaningful change requires sustained effort at the community level.
Principal Dr. Ratnadeep Roy addressed the gathering, and Dr. Sumana Paul, Convenor of the Women’s Cell, delivered the welcome address.
The office of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) in collaboration with District Social Welfare, West Jaintia Hills also celebrated the day at the Lion Mission Compound, Community Hall in Pohskur, Jowai.
The celebration also marked the eleventh year of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, reaffirming the commitment to promote the protection, education and empowerment of the girl child.
District School Education Officer Dr. Wa I Sa Sumer highlighted the importance of empowering women through education and encouraged women and young girls to pursue education and skill development that will enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the society.
Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Secretary DLSA D. Kharshiing highlighted the importance of legal awareness and access to justice, particularly for the underprivileged section of society.
As part of the celebration women lead organisations were felicitated in recognition of their outstanding efforts in promoting community development social welfare and empowerment of women.
