By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The International Women’s Day was celebrated in the State by different women organizations of the State who conducted seminars, workshops and other activities with an aim to highlight issues pertaining to women, their livelihood and safety and at the same time raising the status of women in every sphere.
The focus of this event, celebrated every year on March 8, ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women and also their economic, political and social achievements.
Various women organizations and the State Social Welfare department organised programmes and activities to mark the day.
The Social Welfare department in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Commission for Women & Partner NGOs celebrated this event while laying special emphasis on the theme – The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum, at the Umlyngka Community Hall here on Friday.
In his speech as the chief guest, State Chief Secretary WMS Pariat said that in Meghalaya women are treated far better than those in other parts of the country and the social indicators such as sex ratio, literacy, health percentage is higher than men.
He, however, lamented the increase of crimes against women, and stating that it is time to tackle and solve this problem.
“There is a need to inculcate moral values among the young generation to uphold the social values that the society in our State follows,” he said.
He also expressed satisfaction that more women have come forward to take active part in State politics and made a special mention of the four elected women representatives who will sit in the Ninth Legislative Assembly, which is a history for the State.
He also urged upon the parents, particularly the mothers, to counsel and guide their children since it is the need of the hour to bring up the youngsters in the right way.
The celebration was also attended by Dr Badaplin War from NEHU, Principal Secretary in charge of Social Welfare Department, PW Ingty, Secretary of Social Welfare Department, T Dkhar, Director of Social Welfare HM Shangpliang, besides others.
Meanwhile, Jettwings, a Hospitality, Tourism and Airlines training institute, also organised an interactive session to celebrate the emergence of women as a potent professional in every industry in general and the service sector in particular. The session was held at its Shillong Centre here.
An exhibition was also put up by the students of the institute, highlighting their ideals and role persons and their concept of being a woman. A display was also put up showcasing all the successful girls from the institute placed with the best employers in the industry.
Women’s Day was also observed by Women’s College at the college premises here on Friday where Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission Theilin Phanbuh was present as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Phanbuh stressed on the need to raise the social and political status of women while conveying a message to the women folks on the need to step forward to further strengthen their positions.
“In Meghalaya, the aim of celebrating this event is to achieve universal equality in the political sphere and women’s participation in maintenance of peace and tranquility,” she said, adding that the government is trying its best and the society also has a responsibility to empower the women of ‘Matrilineal Meghalaya’.
The Meghalaya State Social Welfare Board, Shillong in collaboration with the office of the District Social Welfare Department, Nongpoh also celebrated the day at Sajer Community Hall, Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi District.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Chairman of the Meghalaya State Social Welfare Board, OB Tariang, said that women or mother is the role model in shaping and maintaining peace and harmony in the society.
She also said that despite various acts and rules implemented by the Central and the State government, there are a lot of crimes committed against women. She urged all women to come forward to report such crimes and to fight with dedication to eradicate any aggression, violation and arbitrary acts against women.
The Indian Youth Congress (IYC), Meghalaya Unit and the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) also celebrated this day at Congress Bhavan here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, North Shillong legislator Roshan Warjri stressed on the need for the schools and educational institutions to have counseling classes, to help and support the students in need of help.
Warjri also suggested that the IYC and MPMC should form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to conduct awareness programmes on issues pertaining to women’s and children’s rights and their safety.
Meanwhile, to mark this day a book entitled Traiblazers, Meghalaya penned by David Das, was released at the Eldorado Guest House here in honour of those women who have contributed in their chosen fields and careers for the betterment of their community and society in Meghalaya.
The book is an exciting collection of conversations and interviews with the women presented with photographs. It delves into the historical, social, political, economic and how the matrilineal system governs Meghalaya and possibly the only place in the world where it is still actively practiced.
This day was also celebrated with a week-long programme organised by Rotary Club of Orchid City and North East Network at the Shillong Club here with an aim to sensitize the society on elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls and at the same time, to create a society which is safe and secure for the feminine gender.