In July 2024, North East Network (NEN) Meghalaya conducted a series of capacity-building programs focused on Gender, Rights, and Entitlements. These sessions were held with two key community groups: the Survivors Group from the Mawbah Community Support Centre on July 20th, with 20 participants, and the Women Collectives from the Madanrting Community Support Centre on July 27th, with 17 participants. Both sessions were facilitated by Balarisha Lyngdoh as a resource person.
NEN’s initiative aims to educate women on crucial concepts such as the difference between sex and gender, gender identity, and gender roles, as well as the power imbalances that exist within society. The program is designed to ensure that women in the communities are well informed about their rights and entitlements, empowering them to break through societal barriers and become grassroots leaders. By engaging groups like the Survivors Group and Women Collectives, NEN ensures that these women are equipped with the knowledge they need to assert their rights and access vital social protections.
During the sessions, Balarisha Lyngdoh led discussions on understanding gender, where participants explored the various forms of gender discrimination and gender-based violence. The program also included a segment on “My Rights, My Entitlements,” which focused on understanding human rights, with an emphasis on women’s access to entitlements and social protection.
Balarisha also facilitated several interactive activities designed to deepen understanding and foster a sense of community among participants. The session also helped participants to appreciate the diversity within the group and understand the varying statuses of women in terms of education, livelihood, and marital status. Another activity was used to assess and visualize the mobility and freedom of women within their communities. The session concluded with an exercise called “Which Way Do the Scales Tilt?” that highlighted the unequal division of labour between men and women, encouraging participants to reflect on gender roles in their own lives.
NEN’s capacity-building programmes are a vital step toward ensuring that women are informed, empowered, and equipped to claim their rights. Through these sessions, participants not only gained valuable knowledge but also built a stronger sense of solidarity and community.
