SHILLONG, March 8: Improving women’s representation in traditional institutions of governance will help communities achieve social advancement, said Chief Secretary, MS Rao, on Monday.
Rao was speaking at a book-launching event to mark the International Women’s Day at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Nongrah, during which a 23-chapter book examining gender issues in indigenous communities — Gender, Sexuality, and Society in Northeast India — authored by researchers from across the country, was launched.
dress competition at Bharat Scout & Guides HQ
Rao, who unveiled the book, said, “Crimes against women are rightly included under gender discrimination, but male mental health is mostly neglected.”
He also talked about the growth of self-help groups which was helping Meghalaya shine.
The book includes studies from universities and community organisations from the region along with contributions from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, University of Melbourne, North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati, Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong, and International Centre for Research on Women, New Delhi.
The cover, designed by Careen Langstieh, has a picture of Ka Ïawbei, who, Langstieh says, “is the reason behind the clan’s existence.”
The book was edited by R Jennifer War, head of the Centre for Gender at MLCU, and Glenn C Kharkongor, professor of public health at the School of Social Work in MLCU, and its foreword was written by Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo, who was the guest of honour during the programme, said, “As long as sex education does not become a vital part of our social discourse and education system, we will still have many teenage girls carrying the burden of motherhood for which they are not physically, mentally or emotionally prepared for.”
Secretary MS Rao among others during the book release at MLCU
to mark the International Women’s Day, on Monday. (ST)
Bharat Scouts and Guides
A panel discussion on gender quality and a felicitation ceremony for women of all age groups were organised by Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides to mark the International Women’s Day on Monday.
Twenty-year-old Jessica S Mukhim, said, “I joined Bharat Scouts and Guides 10 years ago. It gives boys and girls equal opportunities to showcase their talent. It helps young girls become strong and independent women.”
Sarita Mary Kshiar, 15, said, “The lessons on discipline and unity have prepared me for life.”
Women from various fields shared their views on women’s issues during the panel discussion.
Talk on government schemes for women
The Shillong College Women’s Cell organised a talk on government schemes for women to mark the International Women’s Day.
DV Massar, assistant director of the Social Welfare department, who was the resource person at the event, spoke on government schemes such as Swadhar Greh, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, Nirbhaya Fund and National Creche Scheme.
Kids learn moral values
Students at Holy Child Higher Secondary School, Demthring, were taught moral values on the International Women’s Day. Students of Class 8-A took part in activities such as singing and dancing.
Walkathon in city
Shillong’s Meghandini Mahila Samiti and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan organised a walkathon at Lumparing on Monday to celebrate International Women’s Day. The participants raised awareness on women’s issues.
Free screening camp
Woodland Hospital, too, joined the celebrations on Monday, by holding a free screening camp for cervical and breast cancer.
Around 25-30 women had attended the free screening camp.
AROH Foundation’s prog
The AROH Foundation marked the day by holding a programme at Mawlam village, which was thematised on ‘Choose to Challenge’.
Supported by HDFC Bank, during the programme talks were held on women empowerment, gaming activities were held and the winners we later awarded. The programme was attended by 69 participants.