Darakhshan Andrabi Calls for Greater Space for Women’s Voices

RK News
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08 May 2026

Says Habba Khatoon represents Kashmir's “feminine sensibility”

Srinagar, May 7: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Wednesday addressed a seminar on renowned Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon at Government Degree College Pampore, where she described the poetess as a symbol of Kashmir’s feminine sensibility and cultural identity.

The one-day seminar was organised by the Sahitya Akademi Kashmiri Advisory Board. Speaking as chief guest, Andrabi said Kashmir has a rich history of influential women who have contributed significantly to shaping the region’s cultural landscape.

“Habba Khatoon is not merely a woman expressing her emotions, but a powerful symbol of the strength and voice of Kashmiri women,” Andrabi said. “People of Kashmir recognise her as the musical expression of the Valley’s feminine sensibilities.”

She stressed the importance of creating greater space for women’s participation in social and cultural discourse, saying societies that fail to respect women’s voices cannot progress.

Andrabi also supported a proposal to name Government Degree College Pampore after Habba Khatoon and urged the educated class to promote platforms that encourage women’s expression and participation.

The seminar was attended by noted writer Mohammad Yousuf Teng, Prof Mohammad Zaman Azurdah, Adbi Markaz Kamraz President Mohammad Amin Bhat and Principal Prof Ghazala Azhar, among others.