A village of equals

Hima Myriaw village in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalya, home to the Nongjlak tribe, seems to have a lot of faith in the opinion of its women folk.

Hima Myriaw village in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalya, home to the Nongjlak tribe, seems to have a lot of faith in the opinion of its women folk. The village council here has sought the help of the tribal women to deal with problems like alcoholism, gambling and other anti-social activities.

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The women have even been given a building where they can hold meetings. They then send their proposals to the council, State Women’s Commission chairperson B Lyndem, who recently visited the village, said.

According to Lyndem, the village council has strict guidelines against with anyone found selling liquor; they are fined Rs 8,000 and produced before it before being handed over to the police. The village also has its own defence party — women are included here too.