Shillong, March 14: The National Law University Meghalaya observed International Women’s Day on 12 March, 2026 with a panel discussion on the Theme “Give to Gain – her story, Women leading through service and storytelling”.
Professor Esther Syiem, a bilingual writer and retired Professor of English at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong Ms. Jemimah Marak, founder 100 Story House & member of the State Women’s Commission and Ms. Shannon Dona Massar, co-founder and director of Faith Foundation, Shillong.
The event was graced by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (in-charge) Smt. K. M. Lyngdoh Nongbri, MHJS, Hon’ble Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Baharul Islam, faculty, staff and students of National Law University Meghalaya.
In the event Dr. Esther Syiem and Ms. Shannon Massar stressed upon the importance of going back to our roots and looking within reminds us that gender is deeply connected to development. What happens to women affects not only individuals but also our communities and economies.
Furthermore, Ms. Jemimah Marak emphasized that stories become powerful tools in this understanding. From the lens of psychology Ms. Marak states that narrative therapy, reframing personal and collective narratives can help trauma survivors move beyond victimhood and reclaim their strength.
Vice Chancellor also concluded in the interaction between panellists and students that; when survivors share their experiences, they do not simply relive trauma; they also transform it into learning that encourages ethical storytelling and empathy within academic and social spaces.
Overall the panel discussion captures how women across India play an important role in carrying forward stories of resilience, service, leadership, and everyday acts of care that shape families, communities and institutions across generations.
