Till date, patriarchy still exists all over the nation even though there has been a call for gender equality and women empowerment. However, a small number of tribes that reside in the state of Meghalaya live differently. Also known as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, Meghalaya is known for its matrilineal society, many of which are not generally practiced in the country. The women of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes have a more active role in their societies. In a family household, the birth of a baby girl is always celebrated. They are allowed to avail the same opportunities as men such as education and having a career. They can own properties and lands as well. Traditionally, the daughter is considered the preserver of her clan, family and lineage. The youngest daughter is the primary caretaker of her parents and inherits the land and property of the family. She continues to stay with her parents whereas her husband leaves his home to stay at his wife’s. Children are given the surname of their mothers by default. In some cases, a woman is allowed to intermarry in the society. She is equally and financially inclined to contribute to household expenses and her choice in a potential marital partner is hers alone. The Khasi community never acknowledged dowry and never gives or takes dowry at all. Although the society is matrilineal, the state of Meghalaya is not matriarchal. The father continues to be the traditional head of the family. In the village councils, the Dorbar Shnong and the panchayats, the representation of women in politics was earlier prohibited. Nowadays, it is allowed though participation is minimal. It may not always be a walk in the park for women as one can often witness domestic violence done against them in any society. Still, for decades, Meghalaya continues to live by its principles, proving to the world that women are more or less as important as men are in the society and can uplift their tradition and culture to great lengths.
-Ynri War, intern at @just.lemmebe
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