SHILLONG/TURA/MAWKYRWAT/NONGPOH: A day is not enough to celebrate a woman’s contributions to society yet this is one day when the world acknowledges her multi-faceted role.
Meghalaya, where by default women are empowered thanks to the matrilineal system, too celebrated International Women’s Day on Thursday under the theme ‘Press for Progress’.
In Tura, a day-long programme was organised by NGO BAKDIL in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office and Meghalaya Rural Bank at Dikki Bandi Stadium in the city.
Over 2,000 women representing hundreds of self-help groups from all the Garo Hills districts participated in the programme.
The programme focused on health and nutrition of women, role in improving sustainable and allied activities, and banking and entrepreneurship for rural women.
Dr Minakshi A Sangma, superintendent of Civil Hospital, Tura, and Balsa B Sangma, president of Mothers’ Union, were among the speakers.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh rightly pointed out that even in Meghalaya women are “more or less excluded in important decisions” and “certain parity issues need to be addressed to strengthen women rights”.
He also highlighted on the incidence of oppression and other social issues faced by women in the society and asserted that the purpose of SHGs is to ensure economic uplift among women and urged them to strengthen and revive existing mothers union or mahila samity, and work for the progress and prosperity of the nation in general and society in particular.
Eight SHGs were awarded for good work.
In other districts too, the day was celebrated by acknowledging women’s hard work and dedication.
In South West Khasi Hills, Dr Belinda Marwein of Sngap Syiem College said, “It is time that women should come forward with courage and do anything that they want so that their dreams can come true and they can stand on their own feet.”
Marwein stressed the importance of education in empowering women.
In Ri Bhoi, the district social welfare office along with Women Organisation of Ri Bhoi District celebrated the day at Sajer Community Hall in Nongpoh on Thursday. Newly elected MLA Mayralborn Syiem was the chief guest.
Earlier on the day, the Seng Longkmie of Mawlong presented their special song and also students from Martin Luther Christian University presented a skit with an aim to spread the message that women should not be neglected by any section of the society.
A similar function was organised in West Jaintia Hills where L Suchiang, lawyer at District Legal Services Authority, sensitised the gathering on the rights of women and empowerment of women.
District Social Welfare Officer J Synnah said Seng Kynthei Community in a village is necessary to bring about change and reforms.
‘Few representatives’
The special programme at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was based on the theme “time is now: rural and urban activities transforming women’s lives”. The welcome address was given by Dr K Puro, principal scientist at ICAR Research Complex.
Swapna Deb Kanango, manager of State Bank ICAR Umiam branch, highlighted the schemes provided by the bank, especially for women customers.
At another programme at YMCA in Shillong, Farida Warjri pointed out that there were few women representatives in our State Legislative Assembly and many women are still being discriminated though “we have got our statehood for almost half a century”.
BSF celebrations
The border sentinels in the state celebrated Women’s Day at the BSF Frontier at Mawpat in Shillong on Thursday. It organised a medical awareness programme on common diseases which afflict women and maintaining hygiene. The programme also had other events like debates and seminars, cooking competition, painting and slogan writing.
Honouring rural women
SPARK, a local NGO, honoured rural women from economically backward families at Mawlong village on Thursday. The participants at the programme took a pledge to stand up against exploitation. “This programme provided a platform to the rural women, honouring them and encouraging them, besides building their capacity to fight for their rights as well as protect the rights of others,” said a statement from SPARK.
