BANDIPORA: SANKALP HEW Mission Shakti Bandipora in collaboration with District Administration, ICDS, NRLM and Youth Services and Sports Department on Saturday organised a mega awareness and felicitation programme to celebrate International Women’s Day. The programme held in Auditorium Hall N.M Higher Secondary School Bandipora brought together key stakeholders to honour women achievers and promote awareness of various women-centric initiatives.
The programme presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl along with District Programme Officer ICDS, Yaar Ali Khan commenced with an empowerment pledge, reaffirming collective commitment to women’s rights and gender equality.
In her welcome address, District Coordinator Mission Shakti, Tahira Tabasum emphasized the role of Mission Shakti in fostering women’s empowerment and the importance of multi-sectoral support. She also presented an overview of mission shakti services and support available to women.
Speaking on the occasion, ADC highlighted the role of women, unwavering support and contribution of women in the progress of men besides highlighted resilience, achievements, and contributions of women towards society. He commended the efforts of Mission Shakti in creating opportunities for women in various sectors and stressed the need for continuous support and awareness initiatives.
Farah Deeba, a teacher at GMS Sonerwani while deliberating on the 2025 theme of women's day, spoke about the need of promoting gender equity to accelerate the action. She stressed on being fair with women and men to find a way to ensure that women and men have an equal chance to thrive in a just society.
The programme featured speeches by officials from HUB, ICDS, ARSH (Health Department), RSETI, and NRLM, highlighting government schemes, skill development programmes, and women’s safety measures. Adding to the vibrance of the event, a Nukkad Natak (street play) was performed by students of Army Goodwill School, spreading awareness on gender equality, while cultural performances by ICDS and Education Department teams highlighted the spirit of women empowerment.
On the occasion, women entrepreneurs from NRLM shared their inspiring success stories, motivating others to pursue self-reliance. Further to honour excellence and inspire others, a felicitation ceremony was also held to felicitate Winners of the Kickboxing & Poster Making competitions, Tribal NEET qualifiers and toppers of 10th, 11th, 12th, and NEET qualifiers, Skilled trainees from RSETI & ITI, and women achievers. A medical health camp offering health check-ups was also organized outside the venue, providing free medical consultations and screenings to women. Among others the programme was attended by DIO Aadil Manzoor, ICDS Workers, and a large gathering of female students.
