From Our Correspondent
TURA, March 22: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women, in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office, South West Garo Hills, Ampati, marked International Women’s Day with a momentous celebration at MFC, Ampati on Friday. The event – a first of its kind in the region – witnessed significant attendance from women across South West Garo Hills District, highlighting the community’s dedication to honouring and celebrating the achievements of women.
Distinguished guests included members of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women – Novarim Umdor, Member Secretary; Semalotha Sangma, Vice Chairperson; Susan Sangma, Member; and Felicita Majaw, Member. Also in attendance were Pastor Jakmesil Sangma of Ampati Church, Zanera Marak, DSWO, South West Garo Hills, Torali Marak, CDPO, Zikzak, and Tanya Marak, Legal-cum-Probation Officer, DCPU, Ampati, alongside dedicated staff from the Social Welfare Department and women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the district.
Semapotha Sangma commenced the event with a warm welcome address, emphasising the significance of International Women’s Day and shedding light on the pivotal role of the State Commission for Women. She underscored the importance of celebrating women’s achievements across diverse fields and walks of life. She also highlighted the unique distinction of celebrating the event in Ampati for the first time outside the capital cities of Shillong or Tura.
The ceremony also featured the recognition and felicitation of women achievers, including the Jupiter SHG of Khongpara village and Henritha Sangma, an enterprising woman from Ampati renowned for her production of eco-friendly bags from water hyacinth. Additionally, the event honoured the Haystack Ladies, a remarkable women rock band from Tura, for their contributions to empowering women through music. During the programme, the Haystack Ladies enthralled the audience with their performance, delivering powerful messages of women’s empowerment through music. Zanera Marak delivered an enlightening speech on various government programmes tailored for women, stressing the accessibility and importance of initiatives such as the One Stop Centre, Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, PMMVY, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Chief Minister’s Wedding Assistance scheme, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
She encouraged attendees to disseminate information about these schemes and utilise the Women Helpline number 181 in case of emergencies. Tanya Marak provided valuable insights into women’s legal rights, empowering attendees by sharing knowledge and resources to protect themselves and seek justice when needed.
Additionally, the event offered free medical check-ups conducted by a dedicated medical team, complemented by an exhibition-cum-sale of edible products by various SHGs.
The collaboration between the Meghalaya State Commission for Women and the District Social Welfare Office marks a significant milestone in fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment at the grassroots level.