Debate on legal prostitution on Dec 9

SHILLONG: Grassroot, an NGO working for women empowerment in the State, will organise a debate competition and a gala night at the NEHU community centre to raise funds.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Catherine Kyndiah, the NGO’s coordinator, said a debate on ‘Legalisation of Prostitution’ will be conducted on December 9 at Dinam Hall at Jaiaw Pdeng and the gala night will be held on December 10.
On the harassment of women which often go unreported, Grassroot president Mayfereen Ryntathiang said, “Several cases of women facing harassment are not reported to the authorities concerned as women are discouraged and stigmatised by the society.”
Kyndiah said the NGO has visited 63 villages under two C&RD blocks in East Khasi Hills since the year 2014.
“During our interaction with people, we found that several women faced various kinds of abuse, including rape, domestic violence and harassment, but unfortunately they are not willing to come forward,” Kyndiah added.
Ryntathiang, on the other hand, said, “The women are discouraged due to the delay of the Meghalaya Legal Aid Service to deliver justice to women.”
She added that culprits involved in such crimes should be tried in fast track courts.