Shillong, March 9: The Meghalaya Social Welfare Department on Monday celebrated International Women’s Day, while also marking the completion of 11 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, during a programme held at Lok Bhavan in Shillong.
The event was organised by the State Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare Department, Public Health Engineering Department, and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society under the theme “Give to Gain.”
The programme was attended by Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh, MLA Santa Mary Shylla, Chairperson of the Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation, senior government officials, invited guests and others.
Addressing the gathering, Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar said empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities are crucial for building a stronger and more inclusive society. He noted that the programme also marked 11 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at promoting the protection, education and welfare of the girl child.
The Governor said the occasion provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved so far and reaffirm commitments toward women’s empowerment and well-being. Referring to constitutional provisions, he stressed that equality is guaranteed under Article 15 of the Constitution of India, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed or sex.
He also pointed out that women’s representation in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly remains low, with only three women among the 60 members. Vijayashankar expressed hope that the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures would significantly increase their participation in the future.
The Governor further 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 emphasised the need for greater awareness, improved access to education and stronger community support to address the challenge.
He also read out a message on the launch of Jal Mahotsav.
Speaking on the occasion, Santa Mary Shylla said women in Meghalaya are receiving increasing support in areas such as education, sports and other sectors. She credited the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for strengthening women’s empowerment, particularly through Self Help Groups (SHGs), which she said have created opportunities and enhanced the role of women in society.
Adviser Paul Lyngdoh extended greetings to women and highlighted Meghalaya’s unique 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 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 programme concluded with the felicitation of women achievers from fields such as sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture and community service in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
