Empowering Women in Politics: A Discussion in Shillong
Shillong, Dec 8: The challenges that women face in active politics and the barriers to their involvement were at the forefront of a recent discussion between Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Ampareen Lyngdoh and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron during Cameron’s visit to Shillong.
Barriers to Women’s Political Participation
Sharing insights from their discussion, Lyngdoh remarked, “We talked about the obstacles women encounter while trying to engage in political roles. A shared understanding emerged: there is a critical need for the establishment of laws in various countries to facilitate women’s access to political positions.”
Lyngdoh opened up about her own experiences in the political landscape, highlighting the challenges that even women in developed nations continue to face. “Our conversation shed light on the struggles I have personally encountered as a woman competing against men, alongside the difficulties she has faced in a first-world context,” she noted.
Opportunities for Meghalaya’s Youth
The dialogue also explored employment opportunities for Meghalaya’s youth, especially in countries like England. Lyngdoh stressed the necessity of addressing the technical barriers that skilled workers in Meghalaya encounter when seeking jobs overseas.
“Many skilled professionals from our state need to pass exams required by these countries. Although Meghalayans are generally proficient in English, they often find it challenging to succeed in these assessments, which impedes their chances for employment abroad,” she explained.
Focus on Key Sectors
The discussion extended to job opportunities in fields such as nursing and hospitality. Lyngdoh requested Cameron’s assistance in resolving the technical challenges faced by applicants. “We spoke to her about these concerns, and she assured us that she would look into the issues. We plan to follow up on this matter in New Delhi with another meeting,” she stated.
