Paul Lyngdoh calls for birth spacing awareness to improve women’s health

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 9, 2025

Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasized the need for sensitization about women’s rights to birth spacing to prevent health issues and stunted growth in children.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day event on March 8, organized by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society at the State Convention Center, he urged people to champion women’s causes.

Lyngdoh highlighted the importance of educating people on birth spacing to address health challenges faced by women and children. He also reflected on the venue’s history, built by a Swiss couple after the 1897 earthquake, as a symbol of teamwork and resilience.

He expressed hope that women would actively pursue gender equality and safety, noting that Meghalaya has already achieved the Beti Bachao goal and continues to empower women.

To support women entrepreneurs, major banks, including SBI, MCAB, and MRB, disbursed Rs 25 crore to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), helping them expand their businesses and gain financial independence. SBI contributed Rs 3.92 crore, MCAB Rs 3.11 crore, and MRB Rs 17.89 crore.

A key moment was the recognition of 17 exceptional women for their contributions in fields like sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and community service. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were also honoured for their role in economic growth.

Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed confidence in women’s contributions to Meghalaya’s 10-billion-dollar economy. She noted that 60% of the state budget focuses on women and praised their role as accelerators of economic change.

She commended the resilience of women in Jaintia Hills, who adapted to new livelihoods after the coal ban, and encouraged others to follow their example. Ampareen also emphasized that matriliny does not imply women’s superiority but highlights their role as bearers of communities and clans.

She also launched a Sanitary Pad Vending Machine Distribution initiative to promote menstrual hygiene.