AIZAWL: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma held an extensive interaction with school-going adolescent girls at a special programme organised in Sumtual, bringing the State’s focus on women’s empowerment, gender inclusion and youth engagement to the forefront. The event, titled “Meet Your CM With Adolescent Girls and a Celebratory Plantation of Trees under BBBP,” was conducted by the State Hub for Empowerment of Women under Mission Shakti of the Women and Child Development Department.
The gathering, attended by students from various schools across Aizawl, provided a rare platform for young girls to directly communicate with the Chief Minister. The programme also marked a symbolic moment with a tree plantation ceremony led by the Chief Minister to reinforce themes of growth, sustainability and nurturing of young minds.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister highlighted the historic steps taken by the present administration in advancing women’s leadership. He noted that the government now has the first women Cabinet Ministers in the history of Mizoram, a development he described as “long overdue and deeply meaningful for the State’s political landscape.” He pointed out that MLA Baryl Vanneihsangi had already presided over an Assembly session, demonstrating what he called “a new era of confidence in capable women leaders.”
Our correspondent reports that Lalduhoma underscored the government’s introduction of a Gender Budget for the first time, terming it a structural commitment to uplifting women and girls. According to him, the Gender Budget ensures that every department evaluates how its programmes can address the needs of women, promote inclusivity and expand opportunities. “This is not just a financial tool but a statement of intent,” the Chief Minister said. “We want policies that acknowledge the value women bring to every sphere of life.”
He observed that women form a significant portion of the State’s workforce, with their participation increasing steadily across government offices. Many workplaces, he said, now have a majority female staff. He added that women voters in the State outnumber men, an indication of strong civic engagement. “Women are central to Mizoram’s progress, both economically and socially,” he said. “Our society, while not perfect, has offered women space with relatively minimal discrimination compared to many other regions.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted that seven Working Women Hostels are under construction across Mizoram. These facilities, he said, are meant to support women who migrate for employment and education, ensuring safe accommodation and enabling more inclusive workforce participation.
Lalrinpuii, Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Child Development, also addressed the gathering. She expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s willingness to interact directly with adolescent girls under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao component of Mission Shakti. Our correspondent adds that she outlined various schemes designed to safeguard women, improve welfare services and strengthen institutional support. She encouraged the students to use the 181 helpline whenever they require assistance, highlighting it as “a lifeline created to listen, guide and respond to women in distress.”
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from students of St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Government JL High School, Government Chawnpui High School, Neuhof English Medium School and Mount Carmel School. The girls asked questions ranging from educational opportunities to safety issues and future career prospects. Lalduhoma responded to each question with what participants described as openness and sincerity. “You are the future of this State. Your ambitions matter, and your voices must be heard,” he told them.
Our correspondent reports that many students later shared that they found the session inspiring and reassuring, particularly because it allowed them to hear directly from the State’s highest elected office. The interaction, they said, made governance feel more accessible and encouraged them to aspire toward leadership positions.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister planted a tree at Aizawl Sumtual. The act, while symbolic, was intended to reinforce themes of environmental stewardship and the nurturing of young citizens. “Just as this sapling will grow, so should your dreams,” he told the students.
The event was chaired by Pi Lalzarmawii, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Department. In her closing remarks, Director Pi Zoramthangi Chhangte expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue between youth and policymakers.
Our correspondent adds that the event concluded with commitments from both the government and participating schools to further strengthen programmes that promote adolescent development, gender equity and empowerment.
