SHILLONG, July 8: Asserting that service providers can effectively support survivors of gender-based violence only when they are mentally and physically fit, Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem on Wednesday urged One Stop Centre (OSC) personnel to prioritise self-care and professional growth.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a capacity building programme at the State Convention Centre, Syiem said professionals working with vulnerable groups must constantly renew their skills to remain effective. The programme was organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi.
“We cannot give unless we have,” she said, advising counsellors, social workers, and legal personnel against feeling guilty for focusing on their own well-being. She noted that frontline workers often face burnout and emotional exhaustion, making it essential to maintain healthy boundaries between their professional and personal lives.
Syiem urged participants to remain adaptable and open to new approaches. “Capacity building is about the ability to learn, adapt, and grow. If we are not willing to learn, we cannot effectively guide others,” she said.
Comparing professional growth to replenishing soil with nutrients, the MSCW Chairperson said individuals must refresh their knowledge and remove personal biases that could hinder service delivery. She also called for improved communication skills and the ability to set professional boundaries without guilt, particularly when balancing work with family responsibilities.
The NCW-supported initiative aims to develop a cadre of trained personnel capable of handling cases of gender-based violence while strengthening their ability to train grassroots functionaries.
Syiem thanked the NCW for supporting the programme, noting that the state commission had long sought to organise such training but was previously constrained by limited resources.
Acknowledging the participants as “superheroes” on the frontlines, she encouraged OSC personnel to continue providing compassionate and professional services to women in distress.
