Students from over 50 schools sent in submissions. The prize-winning works of Silgimchi B Marak and Phalguni Hajong are featured for our readers to inspire women’s journeys and roles, as well as to bolster their voices through the lens of school-going children.
Meghalaya is unique not only for its scenic beauty but also for its rare social structure. Unlike most parts of India that follow a patriarchal system, the three major tribes of Meghalaya, the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia follow a matrilineal system. In this society lineage is traced through the mother, and property is inherited by the daughters. Women are not just the members of the family but the backbone of the entire, social, economic, and cultural fabric.
The core of Meghalaya society is the matrilineal system, where the woman is central to the family’s existence. Children take their mother’s surname rather than their father’s. Ancestral property passes from mother to daughter. Specifically the youngest daughter known as Ka Khadduh in Khasi or Nokrom in Garo inherits the family’s house and land. In return, she bears the heavy responsibility of taking care of her parents and looking after unmarried siblings. Mother is considered the manager of the household and holds social standing. Women in Meghalaya are industrious and self-reliant. They are often restricted to the home but are still actively involved in the economy. Women contribute to farming, particularly in jhum cultivation, as well as in weaving traditional clothes, shawls, and bamboo handicrafts. Many women in rural Meghalaya are part of SHG’s, which help them become financially independent and gain confidence.
Women in Meghalaya are the keepers of cultural traditions. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the family’s heritage and passing down customs to the next generation. They are responsible for ensuring the form of continuity in their traditions.
While women have high status in the family, they are often excluded from traditional political institutions like village councils, which are mostly handled by men. With increasing modernisation, some of the traditional practices are changing, and there is a growing need for greater representation of women in modern legislative bodies and decision-making roles.
Although literacy rates are high, there is a need for higher education among women, especially in rural areas, to empower them further.
Thus, the role of women in Meghalaya is exemplary, highlighting a unique model of gender equality where women are custodians of property and family pride. While challenges in political participation remain, they continue to balance traditional roles with modern aspirations, making them true leaders of their own right.
The Most Inspiring Woman I Know
By Phalguni Hajong, Class X, Bhajamara Secondary School
The most inspiring woman I know is my mother. She is not famous or rich, but she is the strongest and kindest person I have ever met. She inspires me every day through her actions, words and love. To me, she is a true hero because she always puts her family first and never gives up, even when life is difficult.
My mother works very hard to make sure our family is happy and safe. She wakes up early every morning to prepare meals and organize the house. She also manages many responsibilities at the same time. Even when she feels tired, she continues to work with a smile. She does not complain about her problem, instead, she focuses on finding solutions. Watching her work so hard teaches me the value of responsibility and dedication.
One of the qualities I admire most in my mother is her strength during hard times. Life is not always easy, and our family has faced many challenges. During those moments, she stayed calm and positive. She encouraged us to be brave and to believe that a better day would come. Her courage gives me confidence. Shows me that problems are temporary and that we should never lose hope.
My mother is also very kind and caring. She helps neighbours and relatives whenever they need support. She listens carefully when someone is sad or worried. She treats everyone with respect, no matter who they are. From her, I learned the importance of kindness, patience, and understanding. She teaches me that small acts of love can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Another reason she inspires me is her belief in education and dreams. She always tells me to study hard and do my best. She believes that education can open many doors in life. Even when I doubted myself, she believed in me. Her trust and encouragement give me strength to chase my goals.
In conclusion, my mother is the most inspiring woman I know because of her hard work, strength, kindness, and endless love. She may not be known around the world, but she has made a huge impact on my life. I hope one day I can become as strong and caring as she is.
