SHILLONG, April 24: Women may have broken the glass ceiling in several fields, hitherto dominated by men but in Meghalaya, which sings paeans about its matrilineal system, the male hierarchy is proving to be an obstacle for women. Take the case of the Dorbar Shnong, a traditionally male-dominated body which has expressed reservations against women being elected to the position of Rangbah Shnong.
While the issue of women’s entry into the Dorbar Shnong has been lingering, the subject took centre stage recently after the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) submitted before the High Court of Meghalaya that the matter pertaining to the rights of women to seek election and also to participate in the election process for choosing headpersons (Rangbah Shnong) is under the active consideration of the Council and it is likely that a referendum may be called on the issue.
The Court, while hearing a writ petition in the matter on April 13 had taken note of the submission made by the KHADC that it might hold a referendum on the issue and gave it four weeks’ time to indicate its considered stand.
Commenting on this issue, Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Nonglum and former MLA, SD Khongwir told The Shillong Times that it is not the right move to elevate women to the position of head of a locality since it goes against the prevailing customs and practices.
“Personally, I feel that women would not be able to handle the pressure that comes with the role of the Rangbah Shnong,” Khongwir, who has been a Rangbah Shnong himself for 54 years, said.
He, however, said that women were taking part in the affairs of the Dorbar Shnong of the locality by becoming members of the Executive Committee.
He felt that there was no harm in giving opportunities to women to air their opinions and views in the Executive Committee.
Echoing Khongwir, Rangbah Shnong of Nongrim Hills, Bantyllilang Narry said it will be difficult for women to occupy the position of Rangbah Shnong.
The responsibility of the Rangbah Shnong is very vast since it is related to looking after the affairs of the Dorbar Shnong besides ensuring peace and tranquility in the locality, he said.
“A Rangbah Shnong is on the job 24X7. We need to come out at late hours during an emergency situation,” he said.
He also pointed out that he had no problem in allowing women to take part in the election of the Rangbah Shnong and even becoming members of the Executive Committee.
Incidentally, president of Seng Kynthei Mawlai Pyllun, Lucetta Syiem said they were reluctant to take up the responsibility of the Rangbah Shnong.
“As women, we understand our limitations. It will be difficult for us to hold the position of the Rangbah Shnong,” she said.
According to her, women in various localities in Mawlai are actively involved in the affairs of the Dorbar as members of the Executive Committee and they take part in the election of the Rangbah Shnong.
She urged the other localities to give women an opportunity to be part and parcel of the affairs of the Dorbar Shnong.
East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh observed that in Laitumkhrah, Malki & Lachumiere, women are integral to the Dorbar elections.
“Women are recognised as full-fledged voters and actively participate in the process. Women are also represented in the executive committees in these three traditional institutions,” she said.
To the pointed question of whether women should be elected as Rangbah Shnong, the legislator said, “Personally I do not wish to see women elected as Rangbah Shnong because that would infringe on customs and practices of the prevailing system that has deep cultural roots.”
“I however recommend that our traditional institutions should involve women as active participants in these elections and urge all Dorbar to adapt to the changing times,” Ampareen said.
Adviser of Nongkhyriem Seng Longkmie, Prof C Nongbri had a diametrically opposite response to the question. Asserted that she did not see any problem in women being elected to the position of Rangbah Shnong, she said, “If women can be elected as MPs, MLAs or MDCs then why can’t they be elected as Rangbah Shnong? The empowerment of women should begin from the traditional institutions,” Prof Nongbri who is also a member of the Executive Committee of Nongkhyriem Dorbar Shnong said.
Stating that she is proud to be part of a locality that recognises the contribution of women in the society, she said, “Women are actively involved in the affairs of the Dorbar Shnong by being members of the Executive Committee. It is high time we adapt to changes since a society cannot remain not static.”
Social activist, Angela Rangad said, “It is not shocking that the KHADC is struggling to hide its retrogressive, anti- women position before the Meghalaya High Court that is hearing a plea challenging the patriarchal denial of the fruits of democracy to Khasi women in the Dorbar Shnong. This case which questions the longstanding apartheid against Khasi women in local Dorbar that prevent them from either participating or standing for elections has finally opened the patriarchal power structures of traditional self-government institutions. In an attempt to buy time and obfuscate the constitutional illegality before the Meghalaya High Court, the KHADC has come up with an idea of referendum on Khasi women’s right to participate and be elected to lead the Dorbar system.”
Rangad pointed out that the Dorbar Shnong does not allow women to vote, stand for elections or even attend meeting of the Dorbar.
“In the past few years some urban localities have allowed minimal token participation of women but this is an informal arrangement and they still do not have clear and inalienable rights to vote and be voted. This has meant that these local self-government institutions have, for years, been anti-women and non- transparent,” Rangad maintained.
She also questioned the argument that ‘traditionally’ Dorbar Shnong (Village Council) and Rangbah Shnong/ Waheh Chnong (Village Headman) was based on only men being allowed to vote/deliberate and fight elections.
“This not only goes against the Constitution but is also historically flawed,” Rangad said.
According to her, the Dorbar Shnong is now just a secular institution and Rangbah Shnong only fulfils modern secular functions, therefore these local institutions should be brought under modern laws which respect right to equality, especially gender justice.
“We hope that the Meghalaya High Court would finally bring local self-government under the Sixth Schedule in line with constitutional guarantees given to all the citizens of India, especially its tribal women citizens and stop the local patriarchal institution to further oppress and disenfranchise women,” Rangad signed off.a
