PONGCHAU, 01 March: A strong call for women-led transformation resonated at the S.D.O. Headquarters, Pongchau, as the Shungkuh Wancho Women Welfare Society (SWWWS), Pongchau–Wakka, successfully organised a Women Empowerment Training Programme focused on “Leadership and Capacity Building.”
The programme brought together women, community leaders, and dignitaries from Pongchau–Wakka and Longchan–Khakam Circles, marking a significant step toward strengthening women’s participation in governance and social development across Longding district.
The event was attended by Honchun Ngandam, MLA-cum-Advisor to Minister PWD (EZ & CZ), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as Special Invitee. Resource persons Smti. Phesa Wangcha, BDO Pongchau, and Shri Kumman Thungwa, SDO Pongchau, shared insights on leadership, administrative processes, and community responsibility. Dignitaries from the Pongchau–Wakka ST Assembly Constituency praised SWWWS for taking a proactive role in empowering women at the grassroots.
Speaking to the media, Smti. Sumi Wangsa thanked the attending dignitaries and acknowledged the consistent support and encouragement extended by the local MLA since the Society’s inception.
In a deeply personal address, Chairperson Smti. Ngunkhaw Ngandam recounted the challenging journey of establishing SWWWS. With limited resources but unwavering determination, she and her team travelled village to village on foot across the Shungkuh Wancho region to organise women and lay the foundation for a structured welfare network. Today, that effort has evolved into a strong platform for women’s collective action.
Beyond leadership training, SWWWS has earned recognition for its humanitarian service. The Society has extended assistance to victims of multiple fire incidents across Tirap and Longding districts, including Longleng, Senua Noksa, Wakka, Longkhaw, Khogla, Mintong, and Votnu villages, along with several areas under the 59 Longding–Pumao Constituency.
On 09 February 2023, the Society carried out relief outreach at the Missionaries of Charity in Khonsa and donated 50 bags of rice to its Borduria centre. It also provided Rs. 10,000 each to eight victims injured in a bus accident between Wakka and Khanu in March 2024.
During the COVID-19 crisis, SWWWS demonstrated its commitment to public welfare by donating Rs. 2,00,000 to support the district administration’s relief measures. The contribution, handed over to CO Pongchau Shri Nyarik Diyum on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, Longding, was appreciated by Deputy Commissioner Ms. Cheshta Yadav, who commended the Society’s timely support during a critical period.
Highlighting education as the cornerstone of empowerment, the Chairperson stressed the importance of initiatives such as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and Government Residential Schools in uplifting girls. She urged elected representatives, ZPMs, GPCs, and Wancho community leaders to prioritise strengthening girls’ education systems to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to nurture confident, capable women leaders who can drive community development. From foot marches across remote villages to organised leadership training at the headquarters, SWWWS stands as a testament to how grassroots determination can shape the future of an entire region.
