SHILLONG/ TURA/NONGSTOIN, March 8: Meghalaya on Tuesday joined the International Women’s Day celebrations by remembering the contributions of women in different fields as well as honouring various women achievers.
East Khasi Hills
In Shillong, the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) in collaboration with St Anthony’s College, Shillong, and supported by the National Commission for Women, on Tuesday organised a ‘National Parliament for Women’.
Thematised on ‘Break the Bias’, the programme was attended by MSCW Chairperson Phidalia Toi, The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim, Senior Coach Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Linza Fenny Syiem, Principal of Police Training School, Umran, Mary GT Sangma, SDO (Sadar), East Khasi Hills, Mitali Chandra, Prof Badaplin War from Department of Khasi, NEHU, student, et al.
The Centre for Gender Equity and Diversity Education and Research (GENDER), MLCU, on the other hand, organised a panel discussion on ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’.
During the programme, contributions of women around the world were remembered. The challenges that were faced by womenfolk during COVID-19 were also flagged during the discussion.
Reference was also made to the matrilineal society of Meghalaya.
The Women’s Cell and the Department of Education, Sankardev College, Shillong, marked the day by holding a programme on ‘The Disparate Impact of COVID-19 on Education and Health of Students and Family’.
During the programme, recommendations were made to minimise health risks among women and girls during the pandemic. Deliberations on the aspects of domestic violence, and reproductive and sexual health of women were also held.
a programme organised by DLSA in collaboration with MSLSA at Khyndai Lad.
Garo Hills
Across parts of Garo Hills, International Women’s Day was celebrated by various government departments under the ‘Gender equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’.
In Tura, the celebration was organised by the Mothers Union in collaboration with District Social Welfare Office, District Legal Services Authority Tura and A’chik Heritage Pursuits, at Eco-Park Ganol, near Tura where Vice-Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), Semalota Ch Sangma was the chief guest.
During the programme, women achievers from different fields were felicitated. A free health check-up was also organised as part of the programme by the District Medical and Health Office, Tura.
In Baghmara, the occasion was celebrated by the DLSA during which people were educated on gender equality, the role of women police, among others.
In Rangsakona in South West Garo Hills, Additional Deputy Commissioner AVD Shira, who was the chief guest, feted women from all age groups.
Nongmadan Shadsngi village partake in a programme organised by AROH Foundation team.
West Khasi Hills
In West Khasi Hills, the day was celebrated by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, West Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the One Stop Centre.
Thematised on ‘Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’, the programme saw deliberations on topics like crime against women, health issues of women, mental health of women and gender equality.
Ri-Bhoi
The day was also celebrated at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, during which people were apprised of women-centric central schemes.
During the programme, the Women cell of ICAR RC NEH Umiam, also felicitated women farmers from Ri-Bhoi in a bid to acknowledge their contributions in the field of agriculture.