Srinagar, March 08: To celebrate the women achievers of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh by honouring, recognising and acknowledging their potential, the Kashmir University (KU), Friday hosted the celebrations of the International Women’s Day here in the Convocation Complex.
The High Court of J&K and Ladakh and J&K Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the civil administration (J&K and Ladakh) and KU had organised the event titled ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ to felicitate and acknowledge the achievements of women in education, judiciary, police, civil administration, agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, entrepreneurship, self-help groups and social workers, an official press release read.
Highlighting the significance of the day, Chief Justice (CJ), High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice N Kotishwar Singh, stressed the need to acknowledge and appreciate women’s contributions and combating historical biases that often overlook women’s achievements.
He also emphasised the judiciary’s role in the emancipation of women’s rights, advocating for a legal environment that empowers women and eliminates discrimination.
Acknowledging Kashmir’s legacy of women achievers like Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, Justice N Kotishwar said: “We need collective efforts to uphold this legacy and work towards gender equality and empowerment by encouraging an inclusive society where women are recognised, respected and empowered,” adding that the road ahead is long and challenging but people need to discourage discrimination against women, acknowledge their talent and appreciate their contributions.
“We need to overcome the prejudices and rise up to the occasion by giving women the confidence that they too can discharge any public duty,” he maintained.
Calling for increased sensitivity towards women’s rights, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the importance of recognising the potential women have and that ensuring their safety and empowering them “contributes to the overall development of cultures and societies”.
“We need to be more sensitive towards women’s rights and in achieving that goal the judiciary can play a huge role in empowering them through awareness and legal aid,” Prof Khan reiterated.
Skits on issues like acid attacks and drug abuse were also performed to sensitise the masses about their prevalence and the urgency of combatting these social issues through awareness about legal services.
Justice Moksha Khajuria; Justice Wasim Sadiq; Dr Vijaylakshmi Brara; M K Sharma (Principal Secretary to CJ); Amit Gupta (Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority); Farooq Ahmad Bhat (Registrar Judicial); KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal; Director, Convocation Complex, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir; besides officers from J&K Police, Civil Administration, J&K Legal Services Authority, Registry; KU’s women deans/directors/heads/coordinators, faculty, scholars and students attended the function.
Offices of the Director Convocation Complex, Department of Students Welfare; Provost (Boys/Girls), Landscape Division, Hospitality and Protocol, Construction Division, Women’s Studies centre, Proctorial Organisation and other line departments worked in tandem in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
