Mawlai delegation urges KHADC to allow women's participation in Rangbah Shnong election process

“We have urged the Chief Executive Member to consider bringing necessary amendment to the 100-year-old act so that equal rights are given to the women folk,” President of the Mawlai Town Dorbar SD Khongwir told the press after the meeting.

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SHILLONG:

A joint delegation of the Mawlai Town Dorbar, Seng Kynthei Mawlai Pyllun and Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun on October 20 sought the intervention of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief Titosstarwell Chyne for bringing necessary amendments to the Mylliem Act, to allow women to participate in the election process of Rangbah Shnong.

“We have urged the Chief Executive Member to consider bringing necessary amendment to the 100-year-old act so that equal rights are given to the women folk,” President of the Mawlai Town Dorbar SD Khongwir told the press after the meeting.

According to the delegation, the KHADC (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007 has deprived women of their right to elect a headman.

“Despite Meghalaya being a matrilineal society, women here are not given their rights to vote (in elections of traditional bodies),” said Khongwir, urging all Dorbar Shnong falling under the Hima Mylliem Syiemship to support their stand.

When asked if they are also proposing to seek changes in the act to allow women to contest for the post of a headman, the president of Mawlai Town Dorbar said, “One step at a time…but for now we are fighting for women’s right to franchise.”

President of the Seng Kynthei Mawlai Pyllun Lucetta Syiem informed that the KHADC chief has assured to look into the matter and suggested the delegation to also write to the Syiem of Hima Mylliem on the matter.

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