Shillong, March 09: Meghalaya’s International Women’s Day celebration at the State Convention Centre in Shillong was nothing short of a powerhouse event, blending inspiration, action, and celebration. Organized by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS),.
The event not only amplified this year’s theme of “Accelerate Action” but also marked 10 transformative years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme, a decade of championing women’s empowerment and gender equality.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of 17 exceptional women for their remarkable achievements across diverse fields, Agriculture, Smt. Angela Shangoi, founder of Iatreilang SHG and National Krishi Karman Award recipient.
Textiles and Cooperation, Smt. Iaishah Rymbai, founder of EriWeave Pvt. Ltd, Food Processing: Smt. Syrpailin Warjri, an ice cream entrepreneur with 7-8 startups, Entrepreneurshipn Smt. Ayoshee Beriwal, founder of GreeNE Origins, specializing in natural products.
Sports, Smt. Ajima Paul A. Sangma, the first cricketer from Meghalaya to represent India in the India C Women’s team; Smt. Prisca Pyngrope and Smt. Rinalin Nongdhar, para-athletes who won gold medals at the 1st North East Para Sports Meet 2024.
Community Managed Training Centre: Tehsonglang CTC and Nokrek Midan Community Managed Training Centre, Lead Farmer – Natural Farming, Smti. Sanjulli Sangma, Rongsil Chiring SHG member, Lakhpati Didi, Smti. Dial Muktieh, founder of Mei Ramew Café and Nangkyrsoi Food Products .
Empowered Through Bank Loans: Banroi SHG, which diversified into livestock, farming, betel nut fermentation, and trading, increasing incomes by 20%, Improved Institutional Deliveriesn Smti. Dorothy Lyngdoh, a Trained Birth Attendant transitioning from a Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA)
Another highlight was disbursement of financial support to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by major banking institutions, including SBI, MCAB, and MRB. This funding aims to help women SHGs and entrepreneurs expand their businesses, ensuring greater financial independence and economic contribution.
To support women-led businesses and economic independence, leading financial institutions disbursed a total of about ₹25 crore to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. SBI extended ₹3.92 crore, MCAB provided ₹3.11 crore, and MRB contributed ₹17.89 crore.
Acknowledging the presence of distinguished dignitaries, women leaders, activists, and community representatives, Shri. Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, expressed deep admiration for the contributions of women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
Shri. Lyngdoh emphasized the transformative impact of the Social Welfare Department, not only on direct beneficiaries but also on entire communities, crediting his energetic team for positioning Meghalaya as a model state where women are held in high regard.
Drawing inspiration from the Khasi cultural heritage, he recounted a story that highlights the reverence for mothers as goddesses, emphasizing that women’s strength and resilience are deeply ingrained in the state’s traditions.
Concluding his address, he called upon the audience to actively pursue gender equality, ensuring women’s safety and empowerment, and highlighted that Meghalaya has already made significant strides in achieving the vision of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, moving beyond awareness to actual empowerment.
In a powerful move toward economic empowerment, women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were celebrated with a cheque distribution ceremony, where SBI, MCAB, and MRB extended ₹3.92 crore, ₹3.11 crore, and ₹17.89 crore, respectively. The event sparkled with dynamic panel discussions that delved into the themes of leadership and economic empowerment.
During the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Health & FW led the Sanitary Pad Vending Machine Distribution, promoting menstrual hygiene and reaffirming the government’s commitment to women’s health and self-care.
In her address, Dr. Lyngdoh expressed delight at the vibrant participation of financing agencies, women’s groups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and women institutions. She emphasized the critical role women play in communities and highlighted March 8th as a day to honor women’s contributions in various fields of work.
Addressing the political landscape, she challenged women to prepare for the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling on both men and women to support women’s leadership. Dr. Lyngdoh also stressed the importance of accelerating action toward women’s empowerment, noting that over 60% of Meghalaya’s budget is women-focused, demonstrating the government’s proactive approach.
Praising the contributions of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, she acknowledged their critical role in addressing women’s health issues, especially in maternal and child care. She also highlighted the MOTHER App, which has transformed how healthcare professionals track and support expectant mothers, contributing to a significant reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.
Delivering the Introductory Address on the Vision of Women’s Day, Shri. Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Social Welfare Department, warmly greeted the audience and marked the occasion as a dual celebration, recognizing 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme, which was launched on January 22, 2015.
He underscored that March 8 is not just a day of celebration but also a day to honor women’s achievements, raise awareness about gender equality, and acknowledge contributions in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The event was also an opportunity to recognize 16 remarkable achievers, including women, young girls, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), for their outstanding contributions.
Following the conclusion of the formal ceremonies and speeches, the event transitioned into an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Evolution of Matrilineality: Women in Leadership.” Moderated by the Smt. Patricia Mukhim, Editor-in-Chief of The Shillong Times, the session brought together a powerhouse lineup of speakers.
The panel included Smt. Iamonlang Syiem, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women; Smt. Badarisha M. Lyndem, Former Chief Engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering; Dr. Helen J. Uriah, District Maternal & Child Health Officer; Smti. Wansuk Myrthong, Everest Summiteer and Assistant Sub-Inspector; and Smti. Samanda Pyngrope, Design Practitioner and Founder of Karaki Design Lab. These accomplished women shared their insights on how matrilineal traditions influence modern leadership and women’s empowerment.
The momentum continued with the second session titled, “Empowered Women, Empowering Economies,” moderated by Smt. Ibankyntiew Mawrie, Editor of 4front Media.
The panel featured voices such as Shri. Ramakrishna Chitturi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Social Welfare Department & CEO of MSRLS; Dr. Veronica Pala, Associate Professor at NEHU; Smti. Iaraphunlin Diengdoh, Joint Mission Director of the State Rural Employment Society; Smti. Nambie Jessica Marak, Chef and Founder of “Eat Your Kappa;” and Smti. Iaishah Rymbai, Founder of Eri-Weave.
The discussions delved deep into the intersection of gender, leadership, and economic empowerment, showcasing real-world stories of resilience, innovation, and impactful change.
The event concluded on a high note with Smti. Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Director of Social Welfare, delivering the Vote of Thanks. Her words were not just a gesture of gratitude but a powerful call to action; urging everyone to take inspiration and insights from the day forward.
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including senior government officials, representatives of women’s organizations, members of SHGs, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and local champions of women’s empowerment.
