SIKKIM COUNCIL OF WOMEN
The Sikkim Women’s Council was established in the year 1981 under the able guidance of Smr. Thrity Talyarkhan, the then First Lady of Sikkim. This is the 39th year of existence. The first President of the Council was also Mrs. Talyarkhan. This organization has since been handled successfully by very prominent and dedicated ladies of Sikkim.
Traditionally NGOs have always been in the forefront of promoting new ideas and in encouraging the Government to implement them. We act as the bridge between the Govt. and the public. We have always advocated the fullest recognition to the vast contribution made by women in the family, the government and above all in the society.
In Sikkim too, the Council has worked hand in hand with the Govt for implementing women and children related schemes. It works closely with the Health Department, Human Resource Development Department and the Social Welfare Department.
One of the first schemes taken up was coaching center / condensed course for school dropout girls. This was a success as we helped many girls attain at least a class V and class X pass certificate. These are all important qualifications necessary for unskilled and skilled jobs in the State. The Scheme was later phased out as the State saw establishment of other formal coaching centers. The Council proposes to restart this scheme for the underprivileged mainly for improving literacy.
The Council was also fully involved in the health camps held throughout the State especially in the remote areas. The village women were educated in health and hygiene and the importance of keeping a small family. The volunteers from the Council have done yeoman’s service during the cataract operation camps as also pulse polio programme of the government.
We have organized and participated in a number of awareness camps held in the State along with Association for Social Health in India Sikkim Branch. The topics range from social evils of PC PNDT, drug abuse. The awareness programme in 2017 in the vicinity of Gangtok was addressed by prominent doctors and lawyers.
Similarly the Council has also worked together with Federation of Consumer Association Sikkim in bringing awareness and educating the public in general and the women in particular.
The World Consumer right Day was observed in a befitting manner on the 15th March 2017, where women were sensitized on Digital India, use of mobile phones for payment, helping the elderly to familiarize with the current digitization process, banking procedures etc.
The Council had gone great service to the rural women by establishing crèches in rural areas. However due to opening up of ICDS centers we have had to close in Jan 2017 due to lack of children.
In conclusion we state that Sikkim has been far ahead of the rest of the country in many areas. There is no practice of the dreaded social menace dowry. Similarly there is no female feticide. In the entire North East there is no concept of Child Marriage. Widows are not considered inauspicious and they participate fully in all social events. In Sikkim we have comparatively better quality of life.
We wish the National Council of Women in India and the entire team the very best health, happiness and success.
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