Meghalaya's DREAM Mission Engages Women Leaders in Shillong to Combat Drug Abuse
In a significant move to bolster community-driven initiatives against substance abuse, the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) of the Meghalaya government organized a crucial consultative meeting with women community leaders, known as Seng Kynthei, from various localities across Shillong on Wednesday.
Strong Participation and Collective Commitment
The gathering witnessed the active involvement of over 50 women leaders, representing diverse neighborhoods and communities throughout Shillong. According to an official statement, this robust participation underscores a powerful collective dedication to tackling the challenges posed by substance use and reinforcing community-based prevention and recovery mechanisms.
The discussions during the meeting were centered on enhancing community-led strategies and emphasizing the critical role that women play in protecting families and neighborhoods from the escalating threat of drug abuse.
Insights and Challenges from the Ground
Representatives from multiple Seng Kynthei units shared valuable insights drawn from their respective communities. They highlighted several emerging challenges, identified vulnerable groups, and stressed the pressing need for comprehensive awareness campaigns, early intervention programs, counseling services, and coordinated collective action.
Mission Objectives and Support Systems
The Managing Director of DREAM provided a detailed briefing to the participants, outlining the mission's core objectives, ongoing initiatives, and the array of support systems available. These include counseling services, rehabilitation linkages, and vocational training opportunities designed to aid recovering individuals in rebuilding their lives.
Emphasis was placed on strengthening the coordination between community leaders and government agencies to ensure the timely reporting, referral, and follow-up of substance use cases, thereby creating a more responsive and effective support network.
Recognizing the Role of Women Leaders
Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Seng Kynthei, the MD of DREAM highlighted their pivotal role in community mobilization, family counseling, and youth engagement efforts. He emphasized that women leaders are essential in the early identification of substance use issues, providing crucial emotional support, and promoting healthy lifestyles at the household level.
Commitment to Future Action
The Seng Kynthei members expressed their unwavering commitment to actively participate in awareness campaigns, outreach programs, and peer-support activities under the DREAM framework. They also proposed the establishment of regular engagement meetings and capacity-building sessions to further empower women leaders as frontline advocates in the fight against drug abuse.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to work collaboratively towards building drug-free communities and ensuring a safer, healthier future for the youth of Meghalaya.
