How women in Meghalaya’s Khweng village got their right to vote
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Summary
https://youtu.be/oc--hkMyeBI?si=motUDovr6UBWVYtB In Meghalaya’s Khweng village, the headman was once chosen by a voice vote at a village meeting. Whoever got the most voice votes and the loudest shouts was chosen. Women were neither part of this meeting nor did they have a say. Iohnam Syiem, secretary of the Village Employment Council, and Redian Syiem, former secretary of the women’s group Seng Kynthei, pushed the village council to change this. Watch this video where Iohnam, Redian, and
Key Facts
TypeLong read
SourceIDR Online
PublishedFriday, 21 August 2026
Affected Population~700 million women, 432 million in workforce gap
Key Numbers
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: 405 districts
Maternity benefit: Rs 5,000 under PMMVY
One Stop Centres: 733 across 35 states/UTs
PMAY-G: 2.95 crore houses sanctioned
Key Authorities
Key Stakeholders
Government Context
NDA IIIBJP-led NDA
LeftCentreRight