SHILLONG, March 8: Women in matrilineal Meghalaya continue to be kept at a distance when it comes to the involvement in decision-making at the Village Council level. Albeit it’s sad but true, there are some villages in the hill state that provide a beacon of hope for a positive metamorphosis.
To mark the International Women’s Day, a panel discussion was organised by NESFAS on women empowerment, particularly on the scope of ‘Women Inclusion in Village Council’.
According to a statement, the programme was attended by six women panelists — three of them representing 28 villages where women have already been included in the Village Council.
“Of the many NESFAS partner villages, only 28 villages have included women to be part of their Village Councils. Amongst the 28 villages, only six villages have appointed women as executive members of the village. Even to this day, women participating in the Village Council are still considered a big taboo,” it said.
The panel discussion conferred about how women should be included in the Village Councils (Dorbars).
“A great example of this is the case of Jani Mawiong village in East Khasi Hills. Women from this village have broken stereotypes and taken on leadership roles in projects that are being implemented in the village. In the ongoing Community-Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) under Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), many women from Jani Mawiong have become executives of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC),” the statement said.
Sita Mary Nongrum, a custodian farmer from Umsawwar, also pointed out that the inclusion of women and youths in the village council of Umsawwar has brought about positive changes in the community.
“As women and youths are now part of the village council in our community, we have acknowledged so many changes in and around the community. Youths of today are the future of tomorrow,” said Nongrum, adding, “I truly believe that the women, youth and men should all join hands to work for the betterment of the community.”
Kong Elizar, Village Community Facilitator (VCF), envisions women participation in Village Councils.
Kong Buldahun, on the other hand, expressed her admiration for women from other communities who have ushered in big changes by being part of the Village Council. She hopes that women from her community will, in near future, be given the same chance.
“In the recent past, women have started to play an active role as leaders and in coming forward and raising their voice. With the support of various grassroots organisations like NESFAS, SURE, SSC and government-supported projects like CLLMP and even church organisations, emphasis on the inclusion of women in the decision-making process has been strengthened,” the statement said.