Ngos: Make VAB women friendly

SHILLONG, JUNE 23: Women activists from nine ngos sought Governor’s intervention to ensure that the KHADC’s Village Administration Bill (VAB) 2015, which is pending for his assent, is ‘gender-just’ and fulfils the rights of women as guaranteed by the Indian constitution.

A delegation of women representatives from the nine organizations met and submitted a memorandum on their demand to Governor V Shanmuganathan on Tuesday seeking his intervention.

The nine organizations include – Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO), Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR), North East Network (NEN), Meghalaya Parents Association for Disability (MEPAD), iLEAD, Meghalaya Women’s Alliance (MWA), Seng Kynthei Lum Sohphoh, Synjuk ki Kynthei, Seng Kynthei Jaiaw Laitdom, and women from Khlieh Umtrew Tdoh Umsiang, Mawtari Mawlong, Kynroh Nonlyer, Dingsyiar

“We request the Governor to intervene in this matter so as to ensure that the VAB 2015 does not become a law without ensuring that the Khasi-Jaintia women are considered as full members of the existing institutions of local self government at the village level,” the memorandum said.

According to the memorandum, the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill 2015, passed by the KHADC both in its intent and drafting, suffers from a lack of clarity regarding the rights of women.

“This is unfortunate because both in the past and in the present day, practices in these traditional institutions have been varied and have evolved over time,” the memorandum said adding “This meant that in some areas women attend the dorbar meetings while in others, they are given representation in the executive body.”

The woman activists said, “Hence, a law such as the VAB 2015 should further pave the way for full participation of women rather than pose as a hindrance to the changes that are already occurring vis a vis women’s participation in the durbars.”

Stating that VAB should not only ensure constitutional guarantees of equality, the activists said, “The VAB should ensure real devolution of powers at the village level, participatory, inclusive and deliberative mechanisms in place besides transparent and accountable democratic self government that is structurally and financially independent.”- By Our Reporter