Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 210/11

WORKSHOP ON CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

Shillong, April 28, 2011: “You educate a woman, you educate the nation”, said Meghalaya Minister for Education, Mrs. Ampareen Lyngdoh while inaugurating the day-long workshop on celebration of International Womens’ Day on the theme “Equal Access to Education, Training and Science & Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women” which was held today, 28th April, 2011 at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong. Organized by the Meghalaya State Social Welfare Board, Shillong, the workshop was attended by .

In her inaugural speech, Mrs. Lyngdoh said that even though we have witnessed women occupy high places in society, women still bear the brunt of sexual violence, discrimination and intimidation and this she said has deter the all round development of women. Stating that though the Constitution of India guarantees to all Indian women equality, no discrimination, equality of opportunity, equal pay for equal work and special provisions to be made by the State in favour of women and children, more needs to be done to ensure that women’s rights are protected and enhanced. Mrs. Lyngdoh said that the State Social Welfare Board plays a vital role for overall social sector development for women and there is a need to undertake large number of major initiatives, schemes and programme for the target group.

Stressing on the need to educate young mothers and women in general, the Minister said that education should be provided to the under privileged and marginalized women so that they can uplift their overall wellbeing. She informed that the Government is setting up Open Schools which will be made functional by MBOSE adding that variety of courses offered will help empower women through distance education.

While acknowledging the role of NGOs in fighting for the rights of women, she urged upon them to work together with the State Government in ensuring that women’s rights as enshrined by the Indian Constitution and Act of Parliament are being implemented in the right earnest.

During the technical session, Sr. Judith Shadap, Executive Director, WISE Social Services Centre, Shillong delivered a lecture on Trafficking of Women inside and outside the State, Dr. C Nongbri, Education Department, NEHU on Women in Social and Economic Development, Mrs. Cerella Khonglah, Social Worker on Political Participation of Women and Dr. Fenella Nonglait, Vice Chairman, Meghalaya State Law Commission, on Domestic Violence and Atrocities against Women, Legal Provision to Safeguard their Rights.