By Erwin K. Syiem Sutnga
The matrilineal tribes of the Khasi Jaintia and Garo people in Meghalaya stands as one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world. This system offers women significant control over familial identity, inheritance and property, but it does not necessarily translate to political or leadership empowerment. Despite women’s centrality in family and clan dynamics where the children take the clan name of their mother, they remain sidelined in key decision-making bodies like the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima (village council in Garo Hills). This exclusion becomes all the more striking when juxtaposed with the various socio-economic challenges that could benefit from women’s unique insights and leadership. What is encouraging is that in Kur or Clan organisation Khasi- Jaintia women are being given a more dynamic role. Encouraged by the positive response I got from my last article on the need for changes in the Dorbar Shnong and its role in our evolving and changing world, I did research on the issue now raised in this treatise.
In this attempt at a comprehensive analysis, we will explore the contradictions inherent in the matriliny systems of Meghalaya. Emphasis is on the social and governance issues that need immediate attention—such as child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse inclusive of drugs and alcohol abuse and the role that women could play in tackling these problems if they were given space in the governance systems in the Dorbar Shnong. We will also look at the education system, which fails to account for hidden disabilities like dyslexia and other learning difficulties, and how social awareness and coordinated community efforts can help reduce the dropout rate in the region. Another key sector issue self-employment, skils development and financial stability of economically challenged house holds and unemployed youths.
The contradictions of Matriliny: Exclusion from participation
Despite being matrilineal, where lineage and inheritance are passed through women, tribal society of the Khasi- Jaintia tribes remains largely patriarchal when it comes to political power and governance both in the traditional grassroot governance system and in the political sphere of electoral politics. In the main the Dorbar Shnong, which governs local village affairs, remains an all-male body, where women are excluded from formal participatory roles. This exclusion is in stark contrast to their pivotal roles in family welfare and clan responsibilities. Women, who manage the family’s financial, emotional, and social needs, are generally not given a voice in matters of public governance especially in the rural areas while changes are starting to come about in more urban areas and in the capital of Shillong.
This paradox restricts women’s potential to contribute to crucial community issues like domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, and even educational reforms—problems that disproportionately affect women, children, and vulnerable groups within the society.
Impact on Social Issues: A missed opportunity for effective governance
1. High Incidents of POCSO Cases and Child Abuse
One of the most pressing social issues in Meghalaya is the rising number of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). A substantial number of these cases involve abuse and rape perpetrated within the community, often by family members or trusted individuals. Women, who are the primary caregivers in Khasi Jaintia and Garo society, could play a crucial role in early detection, reporting, and offering support to victims if they were part of the decision-making processes in the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima. Their exclusion, however, limits the community’s ability to effectively combat child abuse.
Moreover, male-dominated governance structures often fail to prioritize child protection or establish robust mechanisms for justice and rehabilitation. Women’s involvement could lead to stronger community-based child protection committees, more stringent surveillance, and a more compassionate approach to victim support. Going by the rising number of POCSO cases in every district and I speak as a member of the legal fraternity, the problem is a menance that needs to be tackled by social action and awareness programmes so that would be offenders also can identify their own need for treatment.
2. Domestic Violence: A hidden crisis
Domestic violence is another issue that, despite our tribal society’s matrilineal framework, remains prevalent. The exclusion of women from the Dorbar Shnong means that domestic violence often goes underreported and under-addressed. In many cases, women are hesitant to report their abuse to male leaders for fear of judgment, retaliation, or social stigma. If women had prominent participatory roles within the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima as is the case in Garo Hills, there would be a stronger push for legal reforms, shelters for victims, counseling services, and community education programs focused on eliminating domestic violence. This is very much needed so that the genuine incidents of domestic violence are tackled while controlling the rise of false cases against men made out of spite or ulterior motives which manipulate the law for egrigious reasons.
3. Substance Abuse: The growing menace of Drugs and Alcoholism
The growing problem of substance abuse, particularly among young men in tribal society whether they be Khasi, Jaintia, Garo, or amongst other demographic groups is often deeply linked to other social ills such as broken homes, domestic violence and crime, parental neglect. Drug addiction and alcoholism are not only detrimental to the individual but also to the family and the entire community. The absence of women from participatory governance impedes the creation of effective rehabilitation programs and anti-drug campaigns. Women, especially as mothers and caregivers, can bring valuable insight into understanding the emotional and psychological factors behind substance abuse and could lead community-driven efforts to combat these issues.
Women’s groups could organize rehabilitation centers, anti-drug campaigns, and community outreach programs, focusing on both prevention and treatment. Additionally, they could play a crucial role in collaboration with law enforcement and the local Dorbar Shnong and Village Councils to curb drug trafficking and alcohol abuse in their villages.
The Education System: tackling hidden
disabilities and reducing Dropout Rates
While social issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse remain critical, the education delivery system in the state faces its own challenges. Particularly in the challenge of dealing with unhappy teachers and the increasing needs for diversification and addressing the emerging needs of the people of Meghalaya. A very big concern is addressing the hidden disabilities and high dropout rates. Addressing these problems requires a coordinated government and community effort, including the involvement of women, educators, and the Dorbar Shnong.
1. Hidden Disabilities: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Auditory Processing Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disability
One of the major shortcomings in the current education system is its failure to recognize and address hidden learning disabilities such as dyslexia (reading disability), dysgraphia (writing difficulties), dyscalculia (fear of or difficulty with math), Auditory Processing Disorder (APD affects how the brain processes auditory information. Children with APD can hear sounds correctly but may struggle to interpret and make sense of the information. This can affect their ability to follow spoken instructions, concentrate in noisy environments, or understand spoken language clearly) and Nonverbal Learning Disability ( NLD affects visual-spatial and motor skills, as well as social skills. Children with NLD may have difficulty understanding nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or body language)
These disabilities often go unnoticed, as children with them may appear to have normal intelligence and capabilities. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to helping children overcome the challenges associated with these learning disabilities. These disabilities often go undiagnosed, leading to poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and ultimately, higher dropout rates.
Children with learning disabilities are often labeled as “slow” or “lazy” because their difficulties are misunderstood. The absence of early intervention and appropriate teaching strategies means that these children fall further behind their peers, leading to frustration and disillusionment with the education system. Social awareness campaigns, spearheaded by women’s groups and community leaders, could educate parents and teachers about these hidden disabilities, encouraging early detection and tailored learning methods.
Incorporating trained counsellors and special educators within schools, as well as establishing community support groups for children with learning disabilities, could significantly improve retention rates and overall academic performance. Women, given their roles as caregivers and educators within the family, could lead this social awareness campaign, ensuring that no child is left behind due to learning challenges.
2. High Dropout Rates:
Coordinated Social
Action
The dropout rate in Meghalaya, particularly among adolescents, is alarmingly high. This problem is often linked to socio-economic factors, substance abuse, and lack of engagement in school activities. Women’s inclusion in governance and social action could help tackle this issue by ensuring that schools are more responsive to the needs of children, especially girls, who are at higher risk of dropping out due to early marriage, domestic responsibilities, or abuse.
Women’s groups can collaborate with local schools to develop after-school programs, vocational training, and counselling services to keep children engaged in their education. They could also organise community-driven campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of education, particularly for girls, and work with the government to ensure that every child has access to quality education, free from discrimination or barriers due to socio-economic status.
Coordinated social action between the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima, women’s groups, educators, and parents can provide the necessary support systems to ensure that children stay in school and receive the education they deserve. Initiatives like mid-day meal programs, scholarships, and mentoring could be promoted to ease the financial burden on families and make education more accessible.
The Role of Women in Social Action: A path
to progress
The inclusion of women in the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima and other governance structures could provide solutions to the pressing social and educational issues facing the community. Women, with their deep understanding of family dynamics and their roles as caregivers, are uniquely positioned to lead community-based initiatives that address these challenges.
1. Formation of Support Networks
Women can lead the formation of support networks for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and those struggling with addiction. These networks can provide not only emotional support but also access to legal assistance, counselling, and rehabilitation services. By working in tandem with law enforcement, women’s groups can ensure that victims receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable.
2. Economic Empowerment through Education and SHGs
Self-help groups (SHGs) can be instrumental in addressing both social and economic challenges. By promoting skills development, vocational training, and financial literacy, SHGs can help women and young people in the community become self-reliant. Women’s inclusion in the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima can ensure that SHGs receive the support they need, whether through government schemes or community resources, to empower their members economically.
Additionally, SHGs can advocate for more inclusive education policies that cater to children with hidden disabilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically and later, professionally.
3. Health and Education Campaigns
Women’s leadership can also spearhead health and education campaigns that target the entire community. From raising awareness about the importance of maternal and child health to addressing hidden learning disabilities, women’s groups can play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and responsive community. With the rampant epidemic nature of cancer affliction, women groups can form support systems for cancer patients and their families. So also in the campaign to manage AIDS and HIV infection. It is also a sad fact that childbirth and mother mortality is also a lingering problem. Shri Sampath Kumar IAS towards the end of the COVID 19 pandemic had pioneered the concept of Village Health Councils in the rural areas. Mandatory inclusion of women in the functioning of these Village Health Councils will go to a large extent to make the health delivery system in the villages more effective in reaching the poorest of the poor and the sick. Womens’ insight into family and community needs ensures that these campaigns are not only effective but also sustainable.
Conclusion:
Inclusivity is key to
Community growth
The exclusion of women from leadership roles in the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima represents a significant missed opportunity for addressing the socio-economic and educational challenges facing the major tribal communities in Meghalaya. From child abuse and domestic violence to substance abuse and the education system’s failure to support children with learning disabilities, these are problems that require the unique insights and leadership of women. By including women in decision-making processes, the community can become more responsive, more equitable, and more effective in tackling these pressing issues.
Coordinated social action, driven by women’s groups and community leaders, can foster a more inclusive governance system, where the needs of the most vulnerable are not only acknowledged but addressed. In doing so, the Dorbar Shnong or A·kingrangni Krima can evolve into a truly inclusive institution that represents all members of the community, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all. As a leading women activist told me ‘WE do not want to be Rangbah Shnong but there are problems today which needs a mother’s touch” Very true in the emerging scenario of social and economic challenges facing Meghalaya today.