Capacity building workshop on women and sustainable ecosystems in NER

GANGTOK,(IPR): A two-day capacity-building workshop on ‘Building Resilient Communities: Women and Sustainable Ecosystems in NER’ was organised by Sikkim State Commission for Women (SSCW) in collaboration with the National Commission for Women, at the Mini Hall, Manan Kendra here today.

The workshop aims to empower women and foster resilience within communities by promoting sustainable practices. It seeks to enhance awareness, build capacities, and equip participants with the tools and knowledge.

In attendance were Normit Lepcha, project director cum secretary, Women and Child Development department; Yousa Lachenpa, member secretary SSCW; Zilla Panchayat members; resource persons, Kalzen Dolma Tamang, scientist, Science and Technology department; Parina Gurung, additional secretary, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority; Kesang Lachungpa, additional director, Department of Horticulture; Tshering Dolma Bhutia, branch manager SISCO; Karma Sonam Bhutia, project coordinator SSCW; members of SHGs; officials from Fisheries department; NGOs; and students.

In her address, Normit Lepcha expressed hope that the workshop would prove fruitful for all attendees, equipping them with valuable insights and actionable knowledge. She encouraged participants to actively engage in the workshop and take away positive feedback and practical strategies that can be implemented in their respective communities to foster resilience and sustainability.

Yousa Lachenpa in her welcome address highlighted the significance of the workshop. She emphasised the importance of building resilient communities by empowering women and adopting sustainable ecosystem practices. She noted that the workshop aims to create awareness, provide practical knowledge, and foster collaborative efforts to address the challenges.

Kalzen Dolma Tamang delivered a presentation titled 'Effects of Climate Change on Livelihoods and Strategies to Address These Challenges'. She provided a detailed overview of key topics, including an introduction to climate change, its impacts on Sikkim, the effects on various sectors, and the strategies needed to address these challenges effectively.

Parina Gurung, in her presentation on Gender Responsive Relief and Response, emphasised the need to integrate gender perspectives into disaster management strategies. She highlighted the practices, challenges and steps to create inclusive disaster management frameworks that empower women and promote equitable outcomes. She underscored the importance of building capacity at the community level to enhance preparedness and resilience through a gender-responsive approach.

Kesang Lachungpa presented on 'Floriculture as a tool for women's empowerment'. Highlighting how the cultivation and commercialisation of flowers can create economic opportunities for women, her discussion focused on the potential of floriculture to improve financial independence, enhance skills, and foster community development. She also emphasised the importance of training, access to resources, and support networks for women to succeed in this sector, contributing to their overall social and economic empowerment.

Tshering Dolma Bhutia in her presentation 'Role of Sikkim State Co-operative Bank Ltd.' provided an overview of the bank’s services and initiatives aimed at supporting women. She elaborated on the various schemes and benefits specifically designed for women.