MSCW to start women support groups

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) will launch support groups at Don Bosco Youth Centre on Friday with an aim to tackle crime against women with the coordination from traditional institutions.
“We hope that with the emergence of support groups, the struggle faced by women will be mitigated as women can approach the support groups in their respective places for any grievances,” Anita Nongkhlaw, convener of the support groups, told reporters.
The Commission also plans to take out a silent protest that will culminate at Madan Iewrynghep in Laitumkhrah.
Nongkhlaw said the commission after taking note of the increasing crime against women started a two-day training for women after which it decided to form the support groups. “Women should not be left behind, they are to be empowered in terms of economic and social stability,” she added.  Theilin Phanbuh, chairperson of the commission, said they planned to set up a shelter home for women for which they are seeking central support under the Nirbhaya fund. In this case, the government is yet to set up a task force committee and its recommendations will then be sent to the Centre.
Highlighting on the theme for the event on Friday, which is celebrated worldwide as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, programme coordinator for North East Network Joyce Syiem said, “The idea behind the theme is to challenge the mindset of people. We have made recommendations for street lights for women.”
When asked, Phanbuh said as compared to other states of the country, Meghalaya is on a much better footing as there is no dowry system and the like.