The Office of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), West Jaintia Hills under the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, WJH, Inaugurated the 10 Days Campaign on the Celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, on October 3, 2024 at the Northeast Adventist University, Khliehtyrshi, WJH. The program was chaired by Smt. S.Meliora Lamare, Gender Specialist, DHEW, WJH. Shri Waildamiki Shylla, Local MLA Cum Chairman of MUDA was the chief Guest. Other dignitaries: Dr. H. Niang, Block Development Officer, Thadlaskein, Smt. Y. Najiar, District Social Welfare Officer, WJH, Smt. I. Kharpran, Officer Incharge of Women’s Police Station, Jowai & Dr. Paul Bhaggien, Vice Chancellor Northeast Adventist University, Khliehtyrshi, WJH were also present.
Inaugurating the 10- days campaign, Local MLA and Chairman MUDA Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla, highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality in education, healthcare and leadership opportunities for girls.
He emphasized the important role of Girls and women in the Matrilineal Society and also the challenges they faced, like Maternal Deaths which remain prevalent during pregnancy as most women continue to follow traditional childbirth practices. He also pointed out the rises in crimes like rape, murders etc. attributing it to the misuse of technology and social media.
He also underscored the significant participation of girls and women particularly in Sports and various other fields at both National and International Level breaking all stereotypes. He further stated that the Government encourages women to engage in politics, citing the new Women Reservation Bill which reserved 33% of seat for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Sylla encouraged young women to step forward and participate in Politics so as to bring about change and Development. He urged all women to get involved in various fields, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing social justice and inclusivity. Girls and women have the potential to become effective leaders in various spheres of society, such as politics, business, academia, and civil society. Their leadership brings diversity of perspectives, innovative solutions, and a more inclusive decision-making process. Overall, he emphasized that the role of girls and women in society is essential for the progress, development, and well-being of communities. Empowering and supporting them to reach their full potential benefits not only individuals but society as a whole.
Dr. H. Niang, Block Development Officer, Thadlaskein Block, spoke on the importance of women empowerment taking into account the physical and mental health of the girls and women. He emphasized on the crucial role a girl, or a woman plays in the society, Girls and women are instrumental in shaping the future of society by receiving quality education and pursuing their career aspirations. Educated women are more likely to contribute to their communities and to the economy. Women also play a key role in nurturing and raising children, providing emotional support, and maintaining harmonious relationships within the family. The presence and influence of women in the family help foster stability and overall well-being. He also brought into everyone’s attention that when girls and women are empowered through education, employment opportunities, and financial independence, they become active contributors to the economy and society. Women-led businesses also play a significant role in economic growth. They also contribute to social development by actively participating in community development projects, advocating for social change, and promoting human rights and equality.
Smt. I Kharpran Officer Incharge Women Police Station Jowai, as the Resource Person of the programme, discuss on the topic Crimes against Women and Children Such as Murder, Domestic Violence’s, Sexual Harassment, Rape, Kidnap, Human Trafficking, Cyber Crime and law related to Women Safety and Security such as Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment of. Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, The Information Technology Act, POCSO ACT, Special Provision for Women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and Tips for online safety.
Smt.Y Najiar, District Social Welfare Officer, Jowai in her introductory speech highlighted the important schemes and services under Mission Shakti focusing on women’s safety and empowerment.
Under Sambal efforts are made to women’s security which includes the following scheme and services:
· One Stop Canters (OSCs) provide help for women facing violence.
· Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is the clarion call of Hon’ble Prime Minister for social, cultural and mindset change for safety, empowerment and dignity of women and girls from a lifecycle continuum perspective. It will be the main initiative for behavioural and mindset change
· Women Helpline (181)- They work in tandem with OSCs and connect to various institutional setups for safety and security of women Palna (erstwhile scheme of National Creche Scheme) is meant to provide safe and secure place for children of working women so as to act as a catalyst for enhancing Female Labour Force Participation.
Under Samarthya the focus is on empowering women.
· Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) The scheme mainly aims to compensate for loss of wages due to pregnancy and childbirth. It would also contribute to better care of pregnant women, lactating mothers and the newborn. Earlier the scheme used to cover only one child. Now, the scheme has been modified to cover the second child born to a woman, provided that such second child is a girl and with a higher rate of incentive. In case of the first child the amount is ₹5000 and for the second girl child, the benefit of ₹6000.
· Palna (erstwhile scheme of National Creche Scheme) is meant to provide safe and secure place for children of working women so as to act as a catalyst for enhancing Female Labour Force Participation.
Earlier, the event began with a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the event’s inauguration,followed by the welcome address by Dr. Paul Bhaggien.
