Shillong, Mar 9: The International Women’s Day that marks 10 years of central government’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign this year was celebrated across the state by various organisations on Saturday.
Seventeen women achievers were felicitated at the central official programme organised at State Convention Centre by Social Welfare department in collaboration with Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS).
The women achievers from diverse fields are: Agriculture: Angela Shangoi, founder of Iatreilang SHG and National Krishi Karman Award recipient; Textiles & Cooperation: Iaishah Rymbai, founder of EriWeave Pvt Ltd; Food Processing: Syrpailin Warjri, ice cream entrepreneur with 7-8 startups; Entrepreneurship: Ayoshee Beriwal, founder of GreeNE Origins, specialised in natural products; Sports: Ajima Paul A Sangma, the first cricketer from Meghalaya to represent India in India C Women’s team; Prisca Pyngrope and Rinalin Nongdhar, para-athletes who won gold medals at 1st North East Para Sports Meet 2024; Community Managed Training Centre: Tehsonglang CTC and Nokrek Midan Community Managed Training Centre; Lead Farmer – Natural Farming: Sanjulli Sangma, Rongsil Chiring SHG member; Lakhpati Didi: Dial Muktieh, founder of Mei Ramew Café and Nangkyrsoi Food Products; Empowered Through Bank Loans: Banroi SHG, which diversified into livestock, farming, betel nut fermentation, and trading, increasing income by 20%; Improved Institutional Deliveries: Dorothy Lyngdoh, a trained birth attendant transitioning from a traditional birth attendant.
The event that amplified this year’s theme of “Accelerate Action” also witnessed disbursement of Rs 25 crore by leading financial institutions to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. SBI extended ₹3.92 crore, MCAB provided ₹3.11 crore, and MRB contributed ₹17.89 crore to support women-led businesses.
In his address, social welfare minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasised on Meghalaya’s “significant strides” in achieving the vision of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, moving beyond awareness to actual empowerment.
The event also witnessed dynamic panel discussions that delved into the themes of leadership and economic empowerment.
Health and family welfare minister led distribution of sanitary pad vending machines to promote menstrual hygiene and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s health and self-care.
Addressing the political landscape, she challenged women to prepare for the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling on both men and women to support women’s leadership.
In his address, commissioner & secretary (Social Welfare) Pravin Bakshi underscored that March 8 is not just a day of celebration but also a day to honour women’s achievements, raise awareness about gender equality, and acknowledge contributions in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
Following the ceremonies and speeches, the event transitioned into an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Evolution of Matrilineality: Women in Leadership.”
Moderated by the Patricia Mukhim, editor-in-chief of “The Shillong Times”, the session brought together a powerhouse line-up of speakers, including Meghalaya State Commission for Women chairperson Iamonlang Syiem; former PHE chief engineer Badarisha M Lyndem; District Maternal & Child Health Officer Dr Helen J Uriah; Everest summiteer and assistant sub-inspector Wansuk Myrthong; and Karaki Design Lab founder and design practitioner Samanda Pyngrope. The accomplished women shared their insights on how matrilineal traditions influence modern leadership and women’s empowerment.
Another session on “Empowered Women, Empowering Economies” moderated by 4front Media editor Ibankyntiew Mawrie featured MSRLS CEO and additional secretary (Social Welfare) Ramakrishna Chitturi; NEHU associate professor Dr Veronica Pala; SRES joint mission director Iaraphunlin Diengdoh; chef and founder of “Eat Your Kappa” Nambie Jessica Marak; founder of Eri-Weave Iaishah Rymbai.
Director of Social Welfare department Camelia Doreen Lyngwa offered the vote of thanks.
