‘We must remain steadfast in respecting our Nari Shakti’
Srinagar, Jul 6: Terming women’s empowerment as the foundation of a “Viksit Jammu and Kashmir,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said empowering women is essential for the region’s social, economic and political progress, while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring equal rights for women in the Union Territory by ending discriminatory provisions.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony for Fellows (Gender Equity Advocates) in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said he envisions a Jammu and Kashmir where women lead in academia, industry, governance, entrepreneurship, social organizations, art and literature.
“I envision a Jammu and Kashmir where every young girl grows up believing that her dreams are valuable, her voice is powerful and her future holds limitless possibilities,” he said, expressing hope that women would enjoy significantly greater political representation after 2029.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, Sinha said several programmes, including Hausla, Mumkin, Rise Together, Umeed, DGP Sakhi and Krishi Sakhi, have been launched to promote financial independence and entrepreneurship among women in J&K.
Referring to educational achievements, he noted that girls continue to outperform boys, securing nearly 70 to 75 per cent of university gold medals. He also urged youth and men to actively support women’s leadership, saying the responsibility of empowering women cannot rest on women alone.
The Lieutenant Governor felicitated 32 recipients of the Kashmir Women’s Organization (KWO) Fellowship, describing them as symbols of Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation towards equality, dignity and self-confidence. He praised Dr. Fida Firdous and members of the Kashmir Women’s Organization for creating a platform that enables women to showcase their talent, ideas and leadership.
Sinha said the fellowship programme has challenged stereotypes and inspired future generations by encouraging women to play a meaningful role in the development of the region.
Paying tribute to iconic women of Jammu and Kashmir, including Rani Didda, Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and Mata Rupa Bhawani, he said the region has a rich legacy of women who have shaped its history and culture.
Emphasizing the need for continued support to women, the Lieutenant Governor said equal participation of women across social, cultural, economic and political spheres is essential for inclusive development.
He also expressed concern over the growing challenge of substance abuse among women and urged the fellows to undertake a region-specific study to identify its root causes and strengthen rehabilitation efforts for affected women.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released the book Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Council in India, authored by Dr. Nazrul Islam. The event was attended by Dr. Fida Firdous, Dr. Darakshan Hassan Bhat, members of the Kashmir Writers Association, Kashmir Women’s Organization and senior officials.
