The Government of Meghalaya, through the Social Welfare Department, marked International Girl Child Day 2025 with a vibrant state-level celebration that highlighted resilience, equity, and the promise of adolescent leadership. The event, held under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” brought together young leaders, educators, policymakers, and development partners to reaffirm Meghalaya’s commitment to empowering girls and ensuring gender equity across communities.
Organized in collaboration with MPOWER, the Meghalaya Programme for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience, the celebration underscored the state’s focus on holistic adolescent development. MPOWER, a flagship initiative targeting adolescents aged 9 to 19, works to improve human capital outcomes through multi-sectoral interventions in health, education, life skills, and social resilience. The partnership reflected the core values of the day—equipping young people with the confidence and tools to lead meaningful change.
The event brought together more than 1,300 students from 50 schools across Meghalaya, creating an inspiring platform for learning and dialogue. Dignitaries including the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Conrad K. Sangma, Dr. (Mrs.) Ampareen M. Lyngdoh, and Bah Paul Lyngdoh led a day filled with reflection, motivation, and celebration. Among the key speakers were Shri. Pravin Bakshi, Dr. N.E. Kharsahnoh, Daphishisha Kharbani, Miss Anjelina Tynhiang, and Smti. Jennifer Synrem, each sharing powerful messages of leadership, courage, and collective responsibility. Their words resonated deeply with the young participants, emphasizing the importance of community-driven progress and youth participation in building a resilient society.
One of the highlights of the day was the recognition of young achievers from across the state who have demonstrated exceptional courage, creativity, and leadership. From life-saving acts to accomplishments in education, sports, and the arts, these awardees represented the strength and spirit of Meghalaya’s youth. Their stories reflected the broader goals of MPOWER—empowering adolescents to become agents of change through resilience, mentorship, and community support.
The occasion also served as a platform to launch several key initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of women and girls. The Reusable Sanitary Pad Programme was introduced to promote sustainable menstrual health practices and economic empowerment through locally produced pads made by women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs). The Safe Motherhood Kits (CMSMS) initiative, featuring locally sourced essentials for new mothers, was launched to enhance maternal and child health outcomes across the state. Additionally, a formal recognition and mentorship platform for achievers and peer educators was established to celebrate youth leadership and create avenues for guidance and peer learning.
A notable highlight of the event was the CM Connect Dialogue, an open and engaging conversation between the Chief Minister and students. This interactive session allowed young participants to voice their perspectives on safety, opportunity, and empowerment, reinforcing the government’s commitment to integrating youth voices into policy and program design. The dialogue mirrored the participatory spirit at the heart of MPOWER—ensuring that adolescents are not merely beneficiaries but active contributors to the state’s development agenda.
The success of the event reaffirmed Meghalaya’s enduring commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable social transformation. By investing in the wellbeing and potential of adolescents, particularly girls, the state is nurturing a generation of confident, capable leaders prepared to shape a better future. The celebration of International Girl Child Day 2025 thus stood not only as a moment of recognition but also as a powerful reminder that when girls are empowered, communities thrive, and the future becomes brighter for all.