Shillong, Jan 28: Stating that women leaders play a crucial role in early identification of substance use and promoting healthy lifestyles, DREAM director Francis Kharshiing has sought the support of Seng Kynthei to strengthen the mission’s efforts to tackle substance abuse in the state at the grassroots level.
The state government’s Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) on Wednesday convened a consultative meeting with women community leaders from various localities of Shillong where over 50 women leaders shared insights on emerging challenges and the need for awareness and collective action.
Their active participation reflected the strong collective commitment towards addressing substance use challenges and strengthening community-based prevention and recovery efforts.
The meeting also focused on enhancing community-led prevention strategies and reinforcing the pivotal role of women in safeguarding families and neighbourhoods from the growing threat of drug abuse.
Representatives from multiple Seng Kynthei units shared inputs from their respective communities, highlighting emerging challenges, vulnerable groups, and the urgent need for awareness, early intervention, Counselling and collective action.
Kharshiing briefed the participants on the Mission’s objectives, ongoing initiatives, and available support systems, including counselling services, rehabilitation linkages, and vocational training opportunities for recovering users.
Emphasis was laid on strengthening coordination between community leaders and government agencies to ensure timely reporting, referral, and follow-up cases related to substance use.
“DREAM Mission acknowledges the invaluable contribution of Seng Kynthei in community mobilization, family counselling, and youth engagement,” Kharshiing said.
The Seng Kynthei members expressed their commitment to actively participate in awareness campaigns, community outreach programmes, and peer-support activities under the DREAM framework.
They also proposed regular engagement meetings and capacity-building sessions to further empower women leaders as frontline advocates against drug abuse.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to work collaboratively towards building drug-free communities and ensuring a safer, healthier future for Meghalaya’s youth.
