SHILLONG: Is matriliny a curse? Is it a myth for the world outside Meghalaya? Are Khasi women alienating tribal land by marrying non-tribals?
The questions are critical and have been raised numerous times. The ‘women empowerment’ in Meghalaya’s matriliny is a façade behind which several problems exist which belie gender equality. Will there be an equal world.
Waiting for an Equal World: Gender in India’s North East, a book by the editor of The Shillong Times and noted columnist Patricia Mukhim, addresses the critical questions from a woman’s perspective.
The book, published by Martin Luther Christian University, is an anthology of Mukhim’s articles and editorials written in newspapers, magazines and papers presented at academic and professional meetings.
The book — released by Govind Kelkar, senior advisor, Landesa, Seattle, at Royal Heritage in the city on Saturday — is the outpouring of thoughts of and analysis by the Padma Shri awardee and is for social activists, political scientists, community-centered academicians and all those who have a concern for gender equality.
The release of the book was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Unlearning Gender Roles: Striving towards an equal society’. The panel comprised Kelkar, feminist and author, Mukhim, Sanjoy Hazarika, journalist and author, Sukalpa Bhatthacharya from the Department of English, NEHU, Toki Blah, social activist, Karen Donoghue from the Department of Journalism, NEHU, and Jennifer War from the Centre for Gender Studies, MLCU.
Mukhim, who is known for her strong views and has often drawn flak from critiques, said the recent bills passed by the KHADC single out women, who traditionally inherit property.
“One cannot say women are responsible for alienating Khasi land. Are women giving away land to cement factories? Are women taking all decisions regarding property? Men in the family too have a say and women cannot be made scapegoat,” she said.
Many essential points emerged during the discussion, one of which was the urgent need for more representation of women in key arenas and agencies like the police force.
The art works of Careen J. Langstieh, who also provided the cover art for the book, were exhibited at the venue. The evening of discussions ended with Shillong Chamber Choir’s performance.
