TURA/AMPATI/SHILLONG: ‘Be bold for change’ is the message on this year’s International Women’s Day and the women in different parts of the State came together to make it their mantra in the face of adversities.
The Women’s Day celebrations at Diki Bandi Stadium in Tura on Wednesday will witness an assemblage of 1,000-odd women from across Garo Hills.
The programme is being organised in collaboration with the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme and Tura Diocesan Women Commission, District Social Department of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Rural Bank, State Bank of India and others with Bakdil as the anchoring agency.
In South West Garo Hills, womanhood was celebrated a day ahead of the worldwide celebrations.
A programme was organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Ampati at Nirupama Memorial Secondary School near Garobadha. Women from different walks of life participated in the event.
South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner C.V.D Diengdoh said Woman’s Day is not only a celebration of women but is truly a celebration of humanity because the entire humankind exists because of women.
Diengdoh also that violence should not be allowed to start at home and advocated simple steps to bring about social changes and create deterrence to crime against women and children. He urged upon the womenfolk to make use of their special legal rights and opt for free legal aid.
Speaking about the reproductive rights of women, he lamented the fact that IMR and MMR rates in the district was higher than the national average and sought cooperation to improve the situation.
Jaksil A. Sangma, Director of Women’s Group, Garo Baptist Convention-Tura, shared her experiences in dealing with crime against women and said women should stand up for the truth.
Subhir Marak, principal of Nirupama Memorial School, highlighted the rising cases of immoral trafficking of women and minor girls and asked women to be vigilant.
Women & biodiversity
Women traditionally play a central role in any indigenous communities. NESFAS highlights the role of women as custodians of agro-biodiversity. Some of the women in the State have set an example in acquiring empowerment all by themselves.
Bamonlang Shabong, a custodian farmer from Pyrda village in East Khasi Hills, believes that both men and women are responsible for contributing to the society. However, she claims that women take the responsibility of seed keeping holistically. As a mother who cherishes biodiverse agriculture, she personally motivates the people around her to contribute in sustaining these practices for future generations.
Plantina Kharmujai, proud owner of the first Mei Ram-ew café at Khweng village in Ri Bhoi, transformed her tea and food stall in line with the Slow Food principles of good, clean and fair food.
Her café features traditional food from Ri Bhoi, which is strikingly different from the rest of the state, but most importantly the café has now become the hub of the village whereby many community members would drop in before they set off to work.
Slibon Nongrum of Laitsohpliah, an illustrious indigenous knowledge holder, was an eminent soul who passed away at the age of 83. She shared with her children and grandchildren the best of knowledge with the hope to responsibly carry forward.
