Shillong, Jan 21 – “Let me tell you, in politics, it is very difficult for women to survive. We are shunted; we are put in the corner………….I don’t have a designation in my party, and I am presuming it’s because I am a woman,” said Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, the lone woman minister in the Conrad Sangma cabinet, during a program celebrating 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.
The event, organized by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer and the District Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, was held at the Meghalaya Rongali Bihu Auditorium, Dhanketi, Shillong. Dr. Lyngdoh graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Lyngdoh said, “Very often, there is a romanticization of the fact that women in Meghalaya are special and unique. Yes, we follow a traditional practice that is unique, but it does not take women away from oppression. Women continue to face oppression and exceptional challenges throughout their life cycles.”
She emphasized the need to move beyond the surface-level celebration of the girl child and focus on ensuring their rightful space in society. “We are celebrating a decade of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, but we are still looking at the basics. I sincerely thank those who introduced sanitary towel vending machines in institutions as this is a significant step in the right direction.”
Dr. Lyngdoh urged institutions and society to take concrete steps toward protecting and empowering women. “Whether it’s a touch or an aggressive violation, a sexual act against you must be reported to the nearest police station. Touching a woman or girl inappropriately is unacceptable and will have serious legal consequences, regardless of age.”
She stressed the importance of moral science and value education in shaping societal attitudes. “We need to introduce a proper syllabus where boys and girls learn to respect women’s bodies, understand what is acceptable, and build character. Boys must also be included in this conversation to ensure accountability and address issues like teenage pregnancies systematically.”
Highlighting the government’s shared mission with the BBBP initiative, the Minister expressed gratitude toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for women’s empowerment. “I speak on behalf of my honorable Chief Minister, who shares the same commitment. Women don’t seek extraordinary treatment; we seek equal treatment. Civil society organizations, media, and community leaders all have a role to play.”
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Lyngdoh called for collective action to foster equality. “It’s time to sensitize society through value education and moral science, teaching the meaning of equality and respect from a young age. We have a lot of work to do to ensure that every girl child grows up with dignity, courage, and the knowledge of her rights.”