As communities worldwide mark International Women’s Day on March 8, attention turns to women whose leadership is shaping tangible change. While recognizing women in leadership is important, it is equally essential to highlight those driving meaningful change at the grassroots level, creating opportunities and inspiring others through their dedication.
In Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills District, Bina Sungoh, Secretary of the Village Employment Council (VEC) in Khliehrangnah, stands out as a leader whose contributions have driven rural transformation through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Under her leadership, various development programs have flourished, particularly through the integration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) with agricultural initiatives. Her efforts have provided viable economic alternatives to coal-dependent jobs, improving stability for local residents.
Bina Sungoh has served as Secretary of the Village Employment Council since May 15, 2021. Before that, she was a member of the Executive Committee since 2015 and a self-help group (SHG) leader since 2016.
One of her most significant contributions has been spearheading a land reclamation project that transformed 20 hectares of wasteland into productive agricultural land. This initiative was part of the Aroma Mission, a collaboration between MGNREGS, the Institute of Natural Resources Meghalaya, and CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow.
She actively engaged women job card holders, encouraging them to reinvest their wages into purchasing 500kg distillation units to produce essential oils from lemongrass, citronella, and turmeric leaves. The goal was to foster small-scale industries at the rural level.
To support the initiative, a working shed was constructed to provide a safe environment for the distillation process. In just a year and a half, Bina’s leadership led to an impressive ₹5.4 lakh in income from sapling sales and essential oils.
More importantly, the project generated stable employment for around 50 households, helping workers transition from coal mining to sustainable agricultural practices. Workers contributed for 25 days annually, ensuring consistent earnings.
Bina’s initiative has not only spurred economic growth but has also been successfully replicated in 16 neighboring villages. In the 2024-25 financial year, she has expanded her community efforts with new projects such as community nurseries and vermicomposting, converting plantation waste into valuable resources through MGNREGS.
Her commitment to job creation has also led to the active involvement of women’s self-help groups in producing essential oils from lemongrass and turmeric, along with value-added products like essential soaps and scented cones.
To further her expertise and community impact, Bina attended an Entrepreneurial Development training on essential oils, natural fragrances, and aromatherapy, organized by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, at her own expense.
Today, she continues to mentor self-help group members in developing herbal teas and oil blends, empowering women within the village and beyond.
Also Read: Land rights: Why Tangkhul Nagas are protesting against end of FMR
You just read a story that took days to report. Help us keep our reporters on the ground in the Northeast.
Ad-free reading, support and keep important stories alive
Support once (any amount)
Scan to pay via UPI