From Ronald Syiem
Day programme at Nongstoin on Tuesday. (ST)
NONGSTOIN: The Khawkylla Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMP) on Tuesday observed “International Women’s Day” the first of its kind in West Khasi Hills where over 3000 women from different self help groups (SHGs) and SHGs Federation under NERCORMP-I and NERCORMP-II from West & South West Khasi Hills gathered together at St Peter’s Auditorium.
A highlight of the occasion was that women of each SHG wore the same dress (uniform) to distinguish each SHG from the other. The celebration was graced by Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Mukhim expressed her appreciation to the KCRMS for bringing together such a huge gathering of seemingly empowered women at one place. She said it is the first time that she has witnessed such an impressive gathering of women, some carrying their little babies on their backs.
“International Women’s Day is to remind us that we should empower our own selves,” Mukhim said adding that KCRMS has played an important role in empowering women in West & South West Khasi Hills since SHGs formed by them allowed only women’s to be a members.
She mentioned that over the years women have learnt book keeping, maintaining cash registers, roll call registers and keeping minutes of meetings etc., which is a big step forward.
Mukhim pointed out that in terms of gender division of labour, women perform more tasks and are also burdened by childbirth and child rearing apart from looking after the elderly but the SHG movement has improved the lives of their families and communities and it is good that they have become part of the initiatives started by NERCORMP.
Mukhim said that the IFAD project has succeeded in reducing poverty levels in the twin District of West & South West Khasi Hills, where it also promotes women in decision-making roles. However she reminded the women of the issues that still continue to disempower them.
Referring to them as 10 points, Mukhim listed out poverty, ignorance, lack of awareness, malnutrition, health, divorce, teen age pregnancy/early marriage and absence of reproductive rights and spacing of children, rape and growing landlessness.
She also urged the women’s attending the programme to discuss the 10 points in their SHGs meetings so that they can overcome the negative tendencies.
Others who spoke on the occasion included James T. Kharkongor, Project Manager, KCRMS, Finetyfullness Syiemlieh President of the Federation of SHG Rangthong NERCORMP-I, Santina Syiemlieh, Secretary Mawlaisyiem SHG Federation of NERCORMP – II.
“I am one of the first beneficiaries of the NERCORMP – I project,” said Santina Syiemlieh adding that the project has empowered women and given them the confidence to speak publicly to help others who were needy. She also testified that she and others like her have learnt new and profitable skills from different training programmes.
Other highlights of the day including songs, skits and a tug of war game between different SHGs followed by distribution of awards by the Chief Guest to the SHGs for their outstanding performance.