SHILLONG:
Women’s participation in grassroots institutions is paramount for the overall development of the society, said Thma u Rangli – Juki (TUR) leader and activist, Angela Rangad, on March 8.
Releasing a video on the occasion of International Women’s Day, she reiterated how the state ranks last in several indexes – education, poverty and development – and how women’s participation can improve it.
“The main reason behind ranking low on these indexes is less participation of women in grassroots institutions. In pre-colonial times, women had an opportunity and actively participated in all spheres, including governance at the village level,” Rangad said.
Adding there is a need to address and deliver timely justice to victims of violence through better policing and justice system, she emphasised on unequal power relations as the root cause of gender-based violence.
“We have to break down patriarchal structures in order to understand the origin of violence. Alcoholism and upbringing, including broken families, are excuses. Unequal power relationships are at the root of gender-based violence,” Rangad added.
She also highlighted how high maternal mortality is linked to the “dilapidated” conditions of primary health care (PHC) units and dispensaries in the state.
“How do you expect women to have better health care? The Maternity Benefit Act (MBA) should be implemented in letter and spirit,” Rangad stated.
She further appealed to the women of the state to be guardians of resources – water and forests, among others.