NONGPOH: Ten women self help groups (SHGs) of Nongthymmai village under Raid Madan Kyrdem of Ri Bhoi district on Friday celebrated one year of the groups’ existence.
These women groups have set an example not just to the women of adjoining villages but also to other districts and the state as a whole. Despite the lack of proper education, they have become self-dependent, thanks to the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSLRS) for encouraging and giving basic training to these women on how to stand on their own feet through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
The celebration began with a cake cutting ceremony which was attended by the local legislator of Umroi, George B Lyngdoh, Umroi MDC, Rangkynsai Kharbuki, Chief Operation Officer of MSRLS, Shanlang Lyngdoh, traditional head of Raid Madan Kyrdem, RM Dorphang, Nongthymmai village headman, Lumlang Lamarai and the leaders and members of women SHGs.
The women SHGs formed last year under the active involvement of the Cluster Coordinator of MSRLS from Bhoirymbong C & RD Block had been actively involved in producing pickles, jam, juice and other food items including farming activities to support and uplift their livelihood, thereby breaking stereotypes that women can too come forward and engage in business and other activities as their male counterparts.
Addressing the celebration, the Umroi MLA urged the women to stand united and have an understanding to help each other through the SHGs that they have formed so that they will prosper and become an example to other women.
Lyngdoh also asked the MSLRS officials to select the best performance group and send for exposure trips outside the state in order to help them understand and imbibe new sense of entrepreneurship skill which they can take up to further their incomes.
The COO of MSRLS, Shanlang Lyngdoh enlightened the women on various benefits of the centrally sponsored NRLM scheme which focused on self-employment and empowerment of rural poor.
Umroi MDC Rangkynsai Kharbuki, traditional head of Raid Madan Kyrdem, RM Dorphang and others also spoke.
