“Waiting for an Equal World” released

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 30, 2019

JOWAI: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) released its first ever in house-published book titled “Waiting for an Equal World: Gender in India’s North East” by the editor of The Shillong Times and Padma Shri awardee, Patricia Mukhim. This book is an anthology of Patricia Mukhim’s articles and editorials written in newspapers, magazines and papers presented at academic and professional meetings. It is the outpouring of thoughts and analysis from a woman activist and writer whose reportage has emerged from the heartbeat of tribal grassroots and the ground zero of political and social activity. The book is for social activists, political scientists, community-centered academicians and all those who have a concern for gender equality.

The book was released by Dr. Govind Kelkar, Senior Adviser, Landesa, Seattle, USA & New Delhi at Royal Heritage, Shillong.

The release of the book was followed by a Panel Discussion on “Unlearning Gender Roles: Striving towards an equal society.” The Panel comprised of Dr. Govind Kelkar, feminist and author, Patricia Mukhim, the author of the book, Sanjoy Hazarika, journalist and author, Sukalpa Bhatthacharya, Department of English, NEHU, Toki Blah, social activist, ICARE, Karen Donoghue, Department of Journalism, NEHU and Jennifer War, Centre for Gender Studies, MLCU.

Many essential points emerged in the discussion, some of them being the urgent need for more representation of women in key arenas and agencies like the police force whereby more transparency and accountability can be assured with the inclusion of women. A need was also felt of more empowerment of women as most often, a matrilineal system is not empowering enough.

There is also the need to give more recognition to the key roles that women play, for example, the women that acted as moderators during the violent episodes in Nagaland and Manipur. There are also issues that the North Eastern women have to grapple with like witchunting and their lack of documents during the recent NRC move. There should also be initiatives to help uneducated, unwed young mothers whose number are increasing daily.

Another need of the hour is to revisit, reconsider and most importantly, to unlearn the traditionally imposed gender myths and that it is high time for the “hen to crow.” Other elements that have to be reconsidered are the recently passed KHADC bills that severely discriminate local women who marry outside their tribe. Another unfortunate reality is that women cannot control the property they own.

An effective solution to all this is to make discourses about gender more inclusive and open all the while letting go of age old traditions. This is one way of preventing hyper-masculinity that in turn helps in checking the spike in violence against women and all these measures should begin from one’s own home and family.

The art works of Careen J. Langstieh who provided the cover art for the book were exhibited. The Shillong Chamber Choir also performed in the event.