In the rugged, untouched corners of Meghalaya, where winding paths replace roads and communities are often separated by distance and rain-swollen rivers, two women have risen to become unlikely heroes. They are Community Gender & Health Activists (CGHAs), now serving as Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), from two of the most remote blocks in the state—Saipung and Wapung. These women, Neli Kungte from Kulpui Village in Saipung Block and Anishwa Tang from Rashai Village in Wapung Block—unfolds—living in hard-to-reach areas themselves—have taken it upon themselves to serve their communities. They understand the struggles of their people not just professionally but personally, and this connection has made them pillars of hope in their villages. The women know firsthand what it means to live in an uncovered village. They’ve walked the rocky, motorable roads that lead nowhere, faced days when the rain was so relentless that delivering supplies seemed impossible, and seen the struggles of their neighbours, who often felt forgotten by the system. Yet, they chose not to give in to despair. Instead, they turned their life’s challenges into a determination to bridge the gap between the community and the Government.
Meghalaya’s unique geography, with its steep hills, dense forests, and scattered hamlets, often makes access to essential services a challenge. Many villages remain uncovered, lacking proper healthcare, education, and nutritional support. Neli and Anishwa, having experienced these hardships firsthand, know what it means to live in isolation. Yet, isolation was never an excuse for inaction because it became their motivation. They saw how mothers struggled without maternal healthcare, how children remained undernourished due to the lack of proper nutrition programs, and how communities were left to fend for themselves during medical emergencies. Instead of waiting for change, they decided to be the change.
Malnutrition remains a pressing issue in Meghalaya, with many children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). The state’s rugged terrain and scattered settlements often make it difficult to ensure timely nutritional interventions. Many children in these remote villages lack access to proper diets, leading to stunted growth, weakened immunity, and increased vulnerability to diseases. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Neli and Anishwa took it upon themselves to identify malnourished children in their communities, ensuring they received the necessary support through government nutrition programs, Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) provisions, and referrals to health facilities when needed.
Weight Monitoring and SNP Distribution were conducted in the uncovered village of Rashai.
Determined to bring change, Their work began with a rigorous selection process, where they underwent examinations and interviews conducted by government departments to assess their knowledge, experience, and ability to bridge the gap between rural communities and government services. Once chosen, they underwent extensive training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to serve their people effectively. They learned about self-help groups, leadership, gender sensitization, social inclusion, maternal and child health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). They were trained in weight monitoring and attended Rescue Mission Training provided by the Health Department to prepare them for emergencies.
But no training could prepare them for the challenges ahead. The villages they serve are some of the most remote in Meghalaya, where even the most basic infrastructure is lacking. There are no motorable roads, no ambulances, and no easy way to reach families in need. During the monsoon season, the rivers swell, cutting off entire communities. Yet, these two women never let the lack of accessibility stop them. They travel on foot for hours, often through treacherous terrain, to attend training sessions or deliver crucial healthcare services to women and children. They carry supplies, nutritional supplements, and educational materials, ensuring that no mother or child is left behind simply because they live too far away.
Despite the difficulties, their deep connection with their communities has become their greatest strength. This trust has allowed them to break down barriers that once prevented women from seeking healthcare. In places where maternal and infant mortality was once high, where teenage pregnancy was common, and where malnutrition silently threatened the lives of children, they have become the bridge between the people and the healthcare system.
Their roles go beyond just healthcare. They are educators, guiding women on family planning, adolescent health, and nutrition. They teach self-help groups about the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and train them to adopt food diversity practices to prevent malnutrition. They organize workshops on menstrual health and hygiene, helping young girls and women break free from myths and stigma. They even promote Agri-Nutri Gardens, encouraging families to grow their own vegetables and fruits to ensure sustainable nutrition. Their efforts are not limited to one department. They collaborate across sectors, ensuring that various government schemes work together for the benefit of the people. The Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF), which provides financial aid to children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and high-risk pregnant mothers, has reached more families because of their intervention. They work closely with the Social Welfare Department (ICDS) and the Health Department, ensuring that policies are not just on paper but are actively reaching those in need.
Their work is changing lives. More women are seeking medical care during pregnancy. More children are receiving proper nutrition. More communities are coming together to take charge of their health and well-being. They are proof that change does not always come from policies alone, it comes from people. It comes from those who walk the extra mile, who brave the storms, who do not wait for help but become the help their communities need.
These two women may never be celebrated on national platforms, but in their villages, they are known as lifesavers. Their work has not only brought healthcare closer to the people but has also inspired others to take charge of their communities.