Shillong, March 8: Meghalaya’s International Women’s Day celebration at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on Saturday was a powerful event focused on action, empowerment and progress.
Organised by the Social Welfare Department and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), the event highlighted the theme “Accelerate Action” and marked 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme.
A key moment was the recognition of 17 exceptional women for their contributions in fields like sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and community service. Among them were Ajima Paul A. Sangma, Meghalaya’s first woman cricketer to represent India, and gold medal-winning para-athletes Prisca Pyngrope and Rinalin Nongdhar. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were also honored for their role in economic growth.
To support women entrepreneurs, major banks, including SBI, MCAB and MRB, disbursed ₹25 crore to SHGs, helping them expand their businesses and gain financial independence.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh praised women’s contributions and called for greater gender equality. Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted that 60% of Meghalaya’s budget is focused on women’s welfare, reflecting the government’s commitment. She also launched a Sanitary Pad Vending Machine Distribution initiative to promote menstrual hygiene.
The event featured panel discussions on women’s leadership and economic empowerment. Patricia Mukhim, Editor-in-Chief of The Shillong Times, moderated a session on Meghalaya’s matrilineal traditions and leadership, with inspiring women from various fields sharing their insights.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks from Social Welfare Director Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, urging continued efforts toward women’s empowerment in Meghalaya.
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