Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma lauds organization’s transformative impact
Shillong, October 18, 2025: The Women for Integrated and Sustainable Empowerment (WISE) celebrated its Silver Jubilee at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Laitumkhrah, marking 25 years of tireless service in advancing women’s empowerment and community development. The event, themed “Celebrating 25 Years of Empowering Women, Enriching Lives,” was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as Chief Guest and Member of Parliament Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon as Special Invitee, alongside RNDM Sisters, dignitaries, and students.
In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated WISE and the RNDM Sisters for their sustained efforts toward empowering women and uplifting vulnerable sections of society. Reflecting on Meghalaya’s progress in maternal health, he recalled that institutional deliveries were once below 50% but have now increased to nearly 70%.
“When I first became Chief Minister, one of the most disturbing numbers that came before me was Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate,” he said. “It shook me to the core — that while a mother was bringing life into this world, she was losing her own.”
He highlighted initiatives such as the Safe Motherhood Program, under which nearly 400 Safe Motherhood Homes have been established across the state to support high-risk mothers and their attendants. “Today, our maternal mortality rate has dropped by more than 50% in the last seven years,” he noted, adding, “Our goal is not just to meet the national average but to ensure that no mother in Meghalaya loses her life while giving life.”
Underscoring the link between women’s empowerment and family health, the Chief Minister said economic independence and social support are key to improving maternal and child welfare. He also cited the success of the MOTHER Program (Meghalaya Outcome Transformation in Health, Education, Rural Development, and Social Welfare), which integrates cross-sectoral efforts to improve the lives of women and children.
“In 2018, we had about 5,000 self-help groups in Meghalaya. Today, we have nearly 55,000, with the revolving fund growing from Rs. 40 crore to Rs. 1,100 crore,” he said, emphasizing the transformative role of women-led development.
He further noted that 50% of Village Employment Council (VEC) positions are reserved for women, with over 3,000 VECs now headed by women. Through flagship programs like CM-ELEVATE and PRIME, the government has extended over Rs. 150 crore in funding and training support, with 60% of beneficiaries being women.
Highlighting women-led economic growth, he cited the surge in Lakadong turmeric production from 1,000 metric tons in 2017–18 to nearly 20,000 metric tons today and the adoption of Japanese shiitake mushroom technology.
Encouraging WISE to continue its mission, the Chief Minister invited the organization to propose new livelihood projects for collaboration. “We can work together to scale it into a model project — just like we did with the latex manufacturing center in Garo Hills and the ice cream factory in North Garo Hills,” he said.
He also spoke about the government’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) and EMPOWER programs, aimed at holistic growth in children and adolescents through health, education, music, sports, and self-defense training.
“What inspires me most is your determination — the fact that you kept going even when there was no one to help or support you,” he told the Sisters and staff of WISE. “That strength is what Meghalaya needs.”
Following his address, Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, MP, praised WISE as “a beacon of hope” and an exemplary model of integrated development. “I have often cited WISE as an example in my classroom teaching in NEHU,” he said. “The organization has brought dignity and new beginnings to single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, and women in distress.”
He lauded WISE’s outreach in prisons and rural communities, noting that “many have been blessed by your great sacrifice.”
Earlier, Dr. (Mrs.) M.P.R. Lyngdoh, Governing Board Member, traced WISE’s evolution since its inception in June 2000, under the leadership of Sr. Judith Shadap, RNDM, inspired by the Biblical verse “I have seen the affliction of my people… I have heard their cry, I know their sufferings” (Exodus 3:7).
Sr. Baiahlunlang Nongkhlaw, Provincial of RNDM India North East Province, in her welcome address, described the Silver Jubilee as “a testimony of faith and compassion in action.” She called for renewed zeal in service, adding, “The fruits we see today were watered by faith, sacrifice, and silent perseverance.”
The event featured prayers, cultural performances by WISE trainees and children, and the release of a documentary film chronicling the organization’s 25-year journey. It concluded with the felicitation of Governing Board Members, staff, and volunteers, followed by a Vote of Thanks by Sr. Atisha Mary Khongjee, Deputy Director of WISE, and the National Anthem sung by the St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School Choir.
The Silver Jubilee celebration not only commemorated 25 years of service and achievement but also reaffirmed WISE’s enduring mission — to empower women, uplift communities, and enrich lives across Meghalaya and beyond.
