‘Gender equity is not a gender issue’

SHILLONG: Gender equity is not a gender issue, but a critical matter relating to the growth and health of the entire society. That was the key message in the three-day seminar on ‘Gender Equity’, which concluded at Martin Luther Christian University on Wednesday.
Resource persons for this three-day seminar included Iamon Syiem (St Edmund’s College), Patricia Mukhim (Editor, The Shillong Times), Annie Sohtun (Meghalaya State Women’s Commission), RG Lyngdoh (Vice Chancellor, MLCU), Dr Balajied Nongrum (RZIM Life Focus Society), Rosanna Lyngdoh (Impulse NGO Network), Pearly Marak, Darilyn Syiem (North East Network), Diya Rathore (Advocate) and Dr Biloris Lyndem (ex-Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Women).
Topics covered in this programme included social construction of gender vis-à-vis femininity and masculinity, media, work, education, religion, human rights, family, violence against women, the Domestic Violence Act 2005 and the role of the State Commission for Women’s programmes and schemes for women’s empowerment. The seminar content was planned keeping in mind the local matrilineal context against the Indian cultural backdrop.
The event was organized in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Tamil Nadu, and the Department of Social Work and National Service Scheme Unit of MLCU.
Around 40 young people from diverse cultures benefit from the training provided.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Policy 2014 was launched at MLCU on Tuesday. This Central Government sponsored plan was inaugurated in New Delhi on February 21. The Chief Guest on Tuesday was Wansuk Myrthong, who conquered Mount Everest last year.