Srinagar, Mar 08: Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar organised an event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 (Saturday).Sahitya Akademi Award awardee Kashmiri poet and noted scholar, Prof. Naseem Shafaie was the Chief Guest on the occasion while former Professor University of Kashmir and Ex-Dean Outreach, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Prof. Lily Want was the Guest of Honour.
Other guests who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Fatima Jalid from the Department of Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and Ms. Madeeha Majid, a human rights lawyer and motivational speaker.
Referring to the pivotal role played by Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road in women emancipation during the last over seven decades, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq Khan Prof. Yasmeen said, “This institution has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. As this college is completing 75 years, we humbly remember the remarkable contribution of women like Ms. Mehmooda Ali Shah whose legacy stands as a testament to what women can achieve, even in the face of adversity. She was not only a trailblazer for women’s rights, but a voice for those who were silenced, a champion for education and social justice.”
“We still have a long way to go in ensuring true gender equality, but I believe with the spirit of women like Ms. Mehmooda Ali Shah and her ilk along with the collective action of our society, we can be closer to the world where all women, regardless of their background or circumstance, have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Prof. Yasmeen said.
In her address, Prof. Naseem Shafaie shared her unique insights on empowering women and fostering inclusivity. “What makes a woman worthy of being celebrated is that she does not seek revenge and has the strength to walk out of a bad situation to create a more wholesome society where people are more kind and accommodating,” she added.
In her address, Prof. Lily Want referred to the critical role of parents in women emancipation.
“Charity begins at home.
Prof. Lily said, “It is an established fact that there is no better role model than that man who appreciates, respects and loves the woman in his life, be it his mother, his wife or his daughter.
Guest speaker, Ms. Madeeha Majid shared her professional experiences as a lawyer. She exhorted the women “to speak and be seen, and be part of the decision making systems concerning them”.
Guest speaker, Dr. Fatima Jalid shared her impressive research work besides suggesting tips for young women researchers. Pertinently, she was included in the recently published book ‘She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry’ which highlights the contributions of 75 distinguished Indian women who have made significant impacts in chemistry and related fields.
Earlier, while highlighting the important role played by women, Coordinator of Women’s Study Center of the college, Dr. Abina Habib spelt out the work done by the centre, M. A. Road. “The centre aims to promote women’s studies through four domains of teaching, training, documentation and extension work. The centre is also committed to institutionalise women’s studies as an academic programme,” said Dr. Abina.
