Shillong, October 18 : The Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Women for Integrated and Sustainable Empowerment (WISE) was held at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Laitumkhrah, with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma gracing the event as Chief Guest. The celebration, themed “Celebrating 25 Years of Empowering Women, Enriching Lives,” was also attended by Member of Parliament Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon as Special Invitee, along with RNDM Sisters, dignitaries, and students.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated WISE and the RNDM Sisters for their unwavering commitment to empowering women across Meghalaya. He reflected on the state’s progress in reducing maternal mortality — a mission he described as “close to his heart.”
“When I first became Chief Minister, Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate shook me to the core,” he said, recalling that institutional deliveries were once below 50% but have now reached about 70%. Through the Safe Motherhood Program, also known as the Mother Program, the state monitors every pregnant mother and has set up nearly 400 Safe Motherhood Homes offering Rs. 500 per day to high-risk mothers and attendants.
“Today, our maternal mortality rate has dropped by more than 50% in seven years,” Sangma said, adding that his ultimate goal is “a Meghalaya where not a single mother loses her life while bringing life into this world.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that maternal health is deeply tied to economic and social empowerment. “Many young mothers give birth to multiple children within short intervals — affecting their health. Empowering women economically and socially is key to breaking that cycle,” he stated.
He highlighted the government’s MOTHER Program (Meghalaya Outcome Transformation in Health, Education, Rural Development, and Social Welfare), noting the dramatic rise in self-help groups — from 5,000 in 2018 to nearly 55,000 today — with a revolving fund expanding from Rs. 40 crore to Rs. 1,100 crore.
Sangma announced that 50% of all Village Employment Council positions are now reserved for women, with over 3,000 VECs headed by them. He also shared that under the CM-ELEVATE and PRIME programs, 60% of beneficiaries are women, with more than Rs. 150 crore invested in training, equipment, and funding.
Highlighting women-led enterprises, he cited the growth of Lakadong turmeric production from 1,000 metric tons in 2017–18 to nearly 20,000 metric tons today and the introduction of Japanese shiitake mushroom technology. He encouraged WISE to identify livelihood sectors for government collaboration, promising support to scale new model projects.
The Chief Minister stressed early interventions through programs like Early Childhood Development (ECD) and EMPOWER, which focus on music, sports, self-defense, and emotional well-being. “We cannot wait for a child to turn 15 to worry about their future,” he said.
He concluded with a message of hope: “What inspires me most is your determination. Let’s make the next 25 years even more impactful — empowering more women, saving more mothers, and uplifting more communities.”
Member of Parliament Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon commended WISE for being “a beacon of hope.” Drawing from his experience as an educator, he said, “I often cite WISE in my classroom at NEHU as an example of entrepreneurship and sustainable empowerment.”
He praised WISE’s focus on supporting single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, and school dropouts, as well as its outreach in prisons and rural communities. “Every woman carries the strength of generations — when a woman stands tall, she lifts society,” Dr. Syngkon remarked.
Dr. M.P.R. Lyngdoh, Governing Board Member, presented the Journey of WISE, tracing its roots to June 2000 under the leadership of Sr. Judith Shadap, RNDM, inspired by the Biblical verse, “I have seen the affliction of my people… I have heard their cry, I know their sufferings.” She highlighted the organization’s work in legal awareness, health education, literacy, counseling, and entrepreneurship — and Sr. Judith’s pioneering prison ministry.
In her Words of Welcome, Sr. Baiahlunlang Nongkhlaw, Provincial of RNDM India North East Province, described WISE’s journey as “a testimony of faith and compassion in action.” She urged renewed zeal for service “with greater love, generosity, and courage,” reminding attendees that “the fruits we see today were watered by faith, sacrifice, and silent perseverance.”
The event featured cultural performances by WISE trainees and children, a documentary film release on WISE’s 25-year journey, and felicitation of Governing Board Members, staff, and volunteers. The celebration concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sr. Atisha Mary Khongjee and the National Anthem sung by the St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School Choir.
