Srinagar, March 08: Islamia College of Science & Commerce marked International Women’s Day with fervour and enthusiasm, celebrating the achievements of women, raising awareness about gender equality, and inspiring students to contribute towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
The event, organised by the College Women’s Cell in collaboration with NSS Unit-III, revolved around this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, emphasising the urgency of advancing gender equality and encouraging participants to reflect on the essence of womanhood beyond mere celebrations.
The programme commenced with a welcome speech by the Principal, Professor (Dr) Tahmeena Yousuf, who underscored the importance of dismantling societal structures that perpetuate inequality. She spoke about the emotional intelligence of women, highlighting their ability to empathise, connect emotionally, and create safe spaces where individuals feel heard and valued.
The keynote address was delivered by Syed Sleet Shah, Deputy Superintendent of Police, PHQ Srinagar, who discussed drug abuse, cybercrime, and the role of women officers in counselling and rehabilitation services. She highlighted the unique blend of empathy and patience that women officers bring to law enforcement, making them crucial in addressing the psychological, social, and emotional needs of young individuals struggling with substance abuse and criminal behaviour. Adding to the discourse on women’s rights, Advocate Afroza Hassan spoke in detail about the constitutional rights of women in India, elaborating on Article 14 (Equality before Law), Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination), and Article 16 (Equal Opportunity in Public Employment). Her speech emphasised the importance of legal awareness in empowering women to assert their rights and challenge discrimination. A highlight of the event was a self-defence session conducted by Muskan, a professional self-defence coach. She engaged students and staff in practical demonstrations, reinforcing the importance of self-defence skills in ensuring women’s safety and confidence. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Professor Irfana Shafi, Convener of the College Women’s Cell, acknowledging the speakers, organisers, and participants for making the event a meaningful and impactful celebration of women’s empowerment and resilience.
