Shillong, Nov. 26: The Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) on Tuesday launched the State-level edition of the National Gender Campaign – Nayi Chetna 4.0 at the State Central Library, Shillong, under the theme “Sashakt Nari Banaye Viksit Bharat: Women and Girls Lead Development from the Grassroots.” The campaign aims to promote gender equality, strengthen women’s safety, and foster inclusive community development, with this year’s focus on involving men, community leaders and village headmen as allies in advancing gender justice.
The programme began with a welcome address outlining the objectives of creating respectful homes, safe communities and equal opportunities for women and girls. The cultural opening featured a welcome song by Synroplang VO, Umsohlait, highlighting shared responsibilities within families and communities and urging village leadership to address domestic violence and related issues.
The event was officially inaugurated digitally through a one-click launch led by the Chief Operating Officer, MSRLS, in the presence of SMM–SISD officials, village headmen and representatives of Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Addressing the gathering, the COO stressed the significance of the month-long campaign, scheduled from 25 November to 23 December 2025, and emphasised the vital role of men and community leaders in gender equality initiatives. He encouraged women to participate actively in SHGs to access financial and livelihood support and highlighted the responsibilities of Village Organisations (VOs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) in strengthening grassroots institutions.
The programme honoured 18 achievers from various districts under categories including CLF & SAC, VO & SAC, SHG & GPP, Gender CRPs (CGHGAs), Village Headmen (Male category), and Adolescent Peer Groups, recognising their contributions to gender-positive actions and community leadership.
Vibrant cultural performances by Snohktilang VO, Wahkhen, and Jalaphet Pyllun CLF enlivened the event, while a drama staged by Ngin Long Kawei CLF, Kharang, highlighted gender institutional mechanisms at the village level. As part of the health and dignity initiative, reusable sanitary pads were distributed to adolescent peer group members.
A major feature of the day was a panel discussion on “Empowering Women and Girls to Lead Development,” which included seven village headmen as speakers. The panel acknowledged the vital contributions of women to community progress, appreciated MSRLS for empowering rural women through SHGs and stressed the need to evolve social and cultural norms to support greater gender inclusion.
In the concluding remarks, the SMM–SISD expressed gratitude to men who have supported the cause and urged SHGs, VOs and CLFs to use Nayi Chetna 4.0 as a platform to address gender-based violence and other gender challenges at the grassroots. The programme ended with a gender pledge, reaffirming collective commitment to equality, dignity and respect.
