SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Social Welfare Department on Monday celebrated International Women’s Day at Lok Bhavan, Shillong, while also marking 11 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.
The programme was organised by the State Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women in collaboration with the Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Department, the Public Health Engineering Department Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society under the theme “Give to Gain.”
The event was also attended by Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh, MLA Santa Mary Shylla, senior government officials, invited guests and several women achievers who were felicitated for their contributions in various fields.
Addressing the gathering, Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar said that empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities are essential for building a stronger and more inclusive society. He noted that the occasion also marked the 11-year journey of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative launched under the leadership of Narendra Modi, which aims to promote the protection, education and welfare of the girl child.
The Governor said the programme offered an opportunity to review progress achieved so far while reaffirming commitments towards women’s empowerment and well-being. Referring to constitutional provisions, he highlighted that equality is guaranteed under Article 15 of the Constitution of India, which prohibits discrimination based on caste, colour, creed or sex.
Vijayashankar also raised concern over teenage pregnancy, describing it as a serious issue affecting the health, education and future prospects of young girls in Meghalaya and across the country. He stressed the need for greater awareness, improved access to education and stronger community support to address the challenge.
Speaking on the occasion, Santa Mary Shylla said that women in Meghalaya are receiving increasing support in sectors such as education, sports and entrepreneurship. She credited the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma for strengthening women’s empowerment initiatives, particularly through Self Help Groups (SHGs) which have created economic opportunities and enhanced the role of women in society.
Paul Lyngdoh extended greetings to women and highlighted Meghalaya’s matrilineal system, noting that the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities accord a significant place to women in society.
During the programme, medical kits were distributed to Urban ICDS Projects. Awards were also presented under the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) campaign by the Health Department, for selfless contributions towards women empowerment by the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society, and for excellence in community-led FTK-based water quality monitoring under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Governor also read out a message on the launch of Jal Mahotsav, highlighting the importance of community participation in water conservation.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of women achievers from fields such as sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture and community service, recognising their outstanding contributions to society.
