BARAMULLA: International Women’s Day was celebrated today at Dak Bungalow Baramulla under the theme ‘Accelerate Action.’ The event was organized by the Department of Social Welfare and witnessed the participation of senior officials and stakeholders committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood ul Zaman; Superintendent of Police Sopore, Divya Dev; Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Zahoor Ahmad Raina; Joint Director Planning Baramulla, Javed Ahmad; President Bar Association Baramulla, Nilofar; District Social Welfare Officer, Sajad Ahmad Bhat and other concerned officers attended the event.
DIG North Kashmir, in his address, highlighted the urgency of advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s empowerment across all sectors. He stressed the need to cultivate an environment where women have equal access to opportunities and resources, enabling them to excel and lead.
Acknowledging the significant contributions of women in various fields, the DIG emphasized the importance of education, capacity building, and leadership roles in driving lasting progress. He called for united efforts from all sectors of society to eliminate obstacles and create a culture of fairness, respect and empowerment for women.
Speakers, including SP Sopore, emphasized the need to accelerate efforts toward gender equality and women’s empowerment. They highlighted the importance of creating equal opportunities for women in education, employment and leadership roles. The speakers commended the achievements of women in various fields and stressed the need for collective action to remove barriers and ensure that women have access to the resources and support necessary for their growth and success.
On the occasion, several women achievers were felicitated for their outstanding contributions in various fields. As part of the empowerment initiative, tablets were distributed among meritorious students to support their educational journey and encourage academic excellence. Additionally, educational kits were distributed among achievers to support their continuous learning and skill development.
Furthermore, smartphones were distributed among specially-abled students to enhance their access to educational resources and communication tools, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve greater independence. The event featured interactive sessions and discussions on key issues affecting women. The speakers called for strengthening policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation in decision-making and development processes.