13-14 June, 2017, Meghalaya
North East Network facilitated a 2 days’ workshop on “Developing A Roadmap for Action towards Strengthening Convergences for Empowering Women Farmers in Meghalaya” which was held on 13th and 14th June, 2017. The programme was an initiative of Anita Jyrwa, Sr. Faculty member of State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) and fully funded by the Institute.
A total of 44 representatives from various sectors of work attended the workshop. Attendees were: The Chairperson and members of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, Mission Director of Meghalaya Social Welfare Department, Officers from Agriculture, Horticulture Department, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Project Manager of North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project, Assistant Professor from College Post-Graduate Studies- Central Agricultural University, Members of the Support Group for Women, Bosco Integrated Development Society , Society For Urban And Rural Empowerment, GIZ, Women for Integrated Sustainable Empowerment , Meghalaya Basin Development Authority , State Rural Employment Society, Synjuk ki Hima Arliang Wah Umiam Mawphlang Welfare Society, Grassroot, North East Slow Food & Agro biodiversity Society , Indigenous Tribal Development & Empowerment Mission and Women Farmers from villages belonging to East Khasi hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills District
Through the workshop, barriers faced by women farmers in the state in terms of agriculture and allied livelihood were highlighted. Gaps and challenges of different stakeholders (both government and non-government organization) were identified. After brainstorming sessions – the workshop with inputs of expertise from NEN Nagaland paved way to creation of Women’s Farmers Forum in the state which is associated with the national MAKAAM – Mahila Kisan Adhikaar Manch.
