Shillong: In a continuing effort to strengthen grassroots participation in the fight against substance abuse, the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) of the Meghalaya govt convened a consultative meeting with women community leaders (Seng Kynthei) from across Shillong on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by over 50 women leaders representing various localities.An official statement said the active participation of Seng Kynthei reflected a strong collective commitment to addressing substance use challenges and strengthening community-based prevention and recovery efforts. The discussions focused on enhancing community-led strategies and reinforcing the pivotal role of women in safeguarding families and neighbourhoods from the growing threat of drug abuse.
Representatives from multiple Seng Kynthei units shared insights from their communities, highlighting emerging challenges, vulnerable groups, and the urgent need for awareness, early intervention, counselling, and collective action.The MD DREAM briefed participants on the mission’s objectives, ongoing initiatives, and available support systems, including counselling services, rehabilitation linkages, and vocational training opportunities for recovering users. Emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination between community leaders and govt agencies to ensure timely reporting, referral, and follow-up of substance use cases.Acknowledging the invaluable contribution of Seng Kynthei, the MD DREAM noted their role in community mobilisation, family counselling, and youth engagement. He stressed that women leaders are crucial in early identification of substance use, providing emotional support, and promoting healthy lifestyles at the household level.Seng Kynthei members expressed their commitment to actively participate in awareness campaigns, outreach programmes, and peer-support activities under the DREAM framework. They also proposed regular engagement meetings and capacity-building sessions to further empower women leaders as frontline advocates 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 Meghalaya’s youth.
