SRINAGAR: Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar celebrated the International Women’s Day at Lala Arifa auditorium of the campus here today. The event was organised by Women’s Study Centre of the college and was attended by students and faculty members. Sahitya Akademi 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. In her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq Khan highlighted the relevance of the day and underlined the importance of achieving gender equality in education.
Referring to the pivotal role played by Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road in women emancipation during the last over seven decades, 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 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. Her tireless efforts for promoting equality and justice continue to inspire and ignite action in all of us”, she added.
“We still have a long way to go in ensuring true gender equality, but I believe with the spirit of women like 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.
The Principal also emphasised on the need to recognize the efforts, sacrifices and the potential of women to make gender equality a reality. In her address, Prof. Naseem Shafaie shared her unique insights on empowering women and fostering inclusivity. She recited her own poems to reflect on the important status accorded to women by Almighty and her contrasting plight in contemporary society.
Prof. Naseem referred to the challenges faced by women in different stages of life, quoting from the works of mystic poet Lala Ded and Habba Khatoun. She asserted that women are individuals in their own right who cannot be treated as inferior to men. “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. Parents have to walk the talk. From breaking down gender stereotypes to sharing the care and work, and educating children about women’s rights and women’s rights and equity, all has to be driven home”, she said. “Parents have to set the example by equally dividing all housework and childcare at home. Boys have to be involved in care work and household chores from an early age along with girls,” she added.
Calling for a desperate need to change the male mindset, 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. It is not women alone, but men who need to fight against all sorts of stereotypes.”
Guest speakers, Madeeha Majid shared her professional experiences as a lawyer while as Dr. Fatima Jalid shared her impressive research work besides suggesting tips for young women researchers. 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 of college .
On the occasion, the ‘star students’ of the college were felicitated along with the female local fund employees in recognition of their services as support staff of the institution. A Young Women’s Conference was also held during the second session of the programme.
