Women of Meghalaya leading in waste management

Women in matrilineal society of Meghalaya are leading in waste management and are setting the standards in delivering tangible change in the overall waste segregation in the country.
One such inspiration is Iainehskhem Self-Help Group (SHG), known as the “Merry Maidens of Marten,” that has transformed from waste pickers into a successful waste recovery enterprise in Meghalaya.
Formed in November 2014, ‘Merry Maidens’ first began as a group of women waste pickers at the Marten landfill in the city outskirts. The “Merry Maidens” focus on converting biodegradable waste into certified compost, promoting sustainable livelihoods and environmental health.
Iainehskhem SHG now produces certified compost using traditional and indigenous techniques, turning organic waste into valuable resources.
“The success of Iainehskhem SHG is closely linked to consistent training and technical support from the urban affairs department. Through capacity-building and institutional backing, the women have transformed a challenging and often stigmatised occupation into a structured, dignified and sustainable livelihood,” an official statement said on Sunday.
“Their work is reducing landfill load, improving soil health, and promoting responsible waste segregation in surrounding communities,” it said.
“Beyond environmental benefits, the group has strengthened the local green economy, demonstrating the socio-economic potential of community-driven solutions,” the statement said.
The “Merry Maidens of Shillong” now has become a replicable model for villages and town colonies where decentralised waste management can be implemented.
They now serve as a powerful model of how women-led grassroots efforts, when supported by state interventions, can deliver long-term solutions to waste management challenges while advancing inclusive and sustainable development in Meghalaya.
In line with the Meghalaya government’s ongoing push to strengthen waste management systems, the State is witnessing encouraging progress across several districts.
“Enhanced waste segregation, community-led composting programmes, and strengthened environmental monitoring are reshaping local waste management practices.
Among the most notable outcomes of this transformation is the rise of women-led initiatives supported by state agencies,” the statement said.
India is witnessing a transformative shift in waste management, driven by initiatives under the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, and efforts by various State governments.
With a focus on source segregation, plastic reduction, decentralised composting, and community participation, these programmes are reshaping how cities and towns handle solid waste.