SHILLONG, Aug 9: The Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei (LKSK), an apex body of 28 women’s organisations from the East Khasi Hills district on Wednesday urged the KHADC to make it mandatory for women to be part of the Executive Committee (EC) of a Dorbar Shnong.
Seeking legislation from the KHADC in this regard, the apex body clarified that it never angled for women to hold the position of Rangbah Shnongs.
“We want the president and secretary of the Seng Kynthei to be members of the EC. We have not stated that women should be given the opportunity to become the Rangbah Shnong since we understand our limitations,” LKSK adviser MPR Lyngdoh told reporters after meeting KHADC chief executive member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem at his chamber.
She said women are part of the EC of the Dorbar Shnongs in many of urban localities.
“But women are still being denied the opportunity to have a representation in the EC, especially in the villages,” she said.
Lyngdoh suggested the Dorbar Shnongs can nominate women to become members of the EC if there is no presence of the Seng Kynthei.
She said the representation of women is very critical since they can raise the issues afflicting women in their respective villages and localities.
“Who will talk on the issues of women if we don’t have women representatives in the EC?” Lyngdoh, who is also the advisor of the Seng Kynthei Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun asked.
Citing an example, she said the members of the Seng Kynthei have been an integral part of the efforts to maintain peace in the entire Laitumkhrah locality after the violence at the police station a few days ago.
“We have witnessed that the presence of women helps to calm down the situation. We have seen women were at the forefront even during the Covid-19 pandemic,” the LKSK adviser said.
Echoing similar views, LKSK president Theilin Phanbuh said Syiem assured them that he would pursue their issue in the right earnest.
According to her, Syiem sought time to be able to move forward since the matter requires detailed deliberations.
“We understand the position of the council. But we hope that the council will take steps to ensure there is women’s representation in the EC,” Phanbuh said.
She said that no one would deny there is a need to bring changes in the system with the changing times.
Earlier, Lyngdoh said the Syiem, Rangbah Shnongs, and Sordars would have to come to an agreement if the KHADC executive member in charge of Elaka is a woman. “If they do not have a problem with a woman as the EM of Elaka, I do not see a problem in allowing women to be members of the EC,” she added.
LKSK general secretary Tentiness Swer said women should be part of any decision to ensure the smooth functioning of the Dorbar Shnong.
“It will also allow all the residents including women and men to be part of the decision-making process,” she said.
The LKSK has been raising this issue with the KHADC since 2011, she said.
Traditionally, women are not allowed to partake in the affairs of the Dorbar Shnong but the LKSK feels the time is ripe for traditions to be changed.
