Report on Women Convention on Gender Equality

Date – 10th March 2026

Time- 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Venue – Pamrapaithlu Community Hall

Participants – 30 female SHG

Speaker – Smit Haphadahun Sympli ( Resources person)

Welcoming & thank you speech – Smt Wanisha Syih ( Community Coordinator)

Open discussion and interaction – Smt Larisa Lyngdoh Sohiong (Community Organizer)

The Women Convention on Gender Equality was organized with the intention of opening an honest and meaningful discussion about the position of women in society, particularly within a matrilineal system. At a superficial level, matrilineal societies are often perceived as spaces where women naturally enjoy equality and authority because lineage, clan identity, and inheritance pass through the female line. This perception creates a strong narrative that women are already empowered within such social structures. However, when examined more closely, the lived experiences of many women reveal a far more complicated and sometimes contradictory reality.

The convention therefore aimed to move beyond assumptions and examine the real conditions women face in everyday life. It created a platform where participants could openly reflect on both the strengths and the limitations of the matrilineal system, acknowledging that cultural pride should not prevent society from critically examining the gaps that still exist.

Reality of Women’s Position in a Matrilineal Society

One of the most significant discussions during the convention centered on the difference between symbolic recognition and practical authority. In a matrilineal system, women often inherit property and hold an important place in preserving family lineage. Yet, in many households and community institutions, key decisions are still heavily influenced or controlled by male relatives. This paradox reveals that while women may be structurally central to the family system, they are not always equally influential in shaping social and economic decisions.

Many participants expressed that cultural identity alone cannot guarantee empowerment. The presence of women within the structure of inheritance does not automatically translate into leadership, voice, or autonomy in everyday matters. In reality, many women still navigate social expectations that limit their participation in community governance and public life.

Economic and Social Challenges

Another issue that emerged strongly during the discussion was the question of economic independence. Although the matrilineal system grants women certain traditional rights, many women continue to face limited opportunities for income generation and financial growth. Economic dependence remains a concern for a number of families, particularly where women lack access to vocational skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, or financial literacy.

Additionally, traditional gender roles continue to shape daily life. Women often carry the primary responsibility for household management, childcare, and family welfare. While these roles are deeply respected within the culture, they also create a heavy burden that restricts women’s ability to pursue education, employment, or leadership opportunities outside the home.

Participants also highlighted the need for greater awareness of legal rights and social support systems. In some cases, women remain unaware of the protections and opportunities available to them through government programs or legal frameworks. This lack of information further reinforces existing inequalities.

Reflections from the Convention

The conversations that took place during the convention revealed a strong desire among participants to reconcile tradition with progress. Many women expressed pride in the cultural identity of a matrilineal society, yet they also recognized that traditions must evolve in order to respond to contemporary realities. True gender equality cannot be assumed simply because a cultural structure appears to favor women. Instead, equality must be actively nurtured through education, participation, and opportunity.

The convention therefore became more than just a formal gathering; it was an opportunity for honest reflection about how society can preserve cultural heritage while also addressing the structural challenges that women continue to encounter.

Proposed Actions and Future Programs

In order to move beyond discussion and create meaningful change, several practical recommendations emerged from the convention.

One of the most strongly supported proposals was the introduction of livelihood and skill development programs for women. Training initiatives such as soap making, handicrafts, tailoring, and small-scale entrepreneurship were suggested as practical ways to strengthen economic independence and self-confidence.

Another important recommendation involved leadership and capacity-building workshops designed to encourage women to participate more actively in community decision-making processes. Such programs would aim to enhance communication skills, build confidence, and promote greater representation of women in local governance structures.

Participants also emphasized the importance of legal and rights awareness programs. Educating women about their legal rights, property rights, and available government schemes can empower them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves more effectively.

Finally, community dialogue programs involving both men and women were proposed to encourage a more balanced understanding of shared responsibilities within families and society.