Our Bureau
JOWAI/NONGPOH, Oct 10: As part of the ongoing International Day of the Girl Child campaign, various events were organised in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, and Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi, to raise awareness about the rights, health, and education of girls, under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative.
In Jowai, the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), West Jaintia Hills, in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office, held a programme at St. Dominic Higher Secondary School, Mookyndeng. The event focused on raising awareness about nutrition, legal rights, and medical care for girls.
Gender Specialist at DHEW, Y Kyndait, outlined the various services offered under Mission Shakti, which include the One Stop Centre, Women Helpline (181), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and the Palna National Creche Scheme. She encouraged the audience to make use of these programs aimed at empowering women and girls.
Other speakers at the event included M Niang, Supervisor of ICDS Laskein Block, who stressed the importance of healthy eating and the nutritional benefits of food provided through Anganwadi centres. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Ambassador for West Jaintia Hills, S Lakiang, inspired attendees by sharing her personal journey in sports, including her victories in national bodybuilding competitions.
The event concluded with an open quiz competition and prize distribution. The program was chaired by S Meliora Lamare, Gender Specialist, DHEW, while the welcome address was delivered by M Nongseij from St. Dominic Higher Secondary School.
In Nongpoh, the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Ri-Bhoi, organised a similar celebration at IVCS, Umdihar, with Deputy Commandant of Meghalaya Police 6th Battalion, Orville I Massar, as the chief guest. The event featured several activities, including self-defense training, father-daughter selfies, tree planting, and skits to promote awareness of girls’ rights.
Ri-Bhoi District Social Welfare Officer, NF Sun, highlighted the importance of empowering girls through education, self-defense, and health awareness, particularly menstrual hygiene.
Massar lauded the efforts to engage girls in these crucial conversations and urged parents to support their children in making informed life choices. He warned against the rising drug menace and emphasized the importance of mental health and responsible use of social media.
The event also featured a skit portraying the negative consequences of poor decision-making during adolescence, emphasising the risks of unintended pregnancies and dropping out of school.