SHILLONG, Feb 10: A significant factor that has been contributing in the empowerment of women in Meghalaya is the emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) all across the state. Bearing witness to this fact, the inspiring story of Yobina Lyngdoh Marshyllong, a rising entrepreneur from rural Meghalaya has recently come to the forefront.
Coming from the remote Jakhong village of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, Yobina Lyngdoh Marshyllong had always identified herself as an aspiring entrepreneur and had always dreamt of taking her agricultural produce out in a real market. But due to lack of knowledge, appropriate training and confidence, Yobina could not materialize her dreams and aspirations.
That was however, until 2001, when the central scheme of North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) was introduced in her village. Under NERCORMP, Yobina became the member of an SHG “Ka buit ka long ka bor” (Knowledge is Strength). Owing to her leadership qualities and managerial skills, Yobina soon made her way to being the Chairman of the SHG.
With NERCOMP as their pillar, the SHG addressed the issue of open defecation as its primary initiative and had under it, established affordable toilet facilities in the village. Familiarising the locals thus with the ideas of cleanliness and hygiene, NERCORMP proved to be beneficial for Yobina’s village, in its first go.
Another initiative supported by the project was providing Revolving Fund to the SHGs, making use of which Yobina established a grocery store in her village.
Through the capacity building support received under the project, she sharpened her entrepreneurial skills and further expanded the business, which lead to the establishment of her second shop in Jakhong.
Tasting success with her first two ventures, Yobina next moved on to marketing her produces in the urban centres of Moirang and Shillong. And what followed next was a thriving business led by Yobina and her fellow-SHG members, all of who now earn Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per day.
As of now, Yobina has established herself as a successful entrepreneur and has also served her village’s womenfolk as an inspiration. Yobina now actively encourages women to join SHGs as well as form new SHGs for the empowerment and emancipation of women from the rural areas.
Yobina, along with the other members of the SHG, sell their goods in Mairang and Shillong. Since the group is directly selling their produces at the urban centers, they now earn She also There are nearly 70 members.
As can be seen from the story of Yobina and her companions, participation of women in SHGs can bring significant transformations, not just for the women but for the community and the village NERCORMP made a difference in her life as well as in the life of other SHG members and brought improvements in their overall living standard.