Jammu, Nov 28 – The Jammu and Kashmir Women Society, a branch of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), hosted a day-long Zonal Conference of the North Zone AIWC at the Forest Information Centre in Bikram Chowk, Jammu. The event, held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, brought together around 100 women delegates from Jammu and Kashmir as well as other northern states, to discuss issues related to women’s education, empowerment, and development.
The conference was graced by Satish Sharma, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and ARI & Training, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He was joined by distinguished Guests of Honour including Satya Devi, representing Jan Shiksha Sansthan, and Banu Mahajan, Former Corporator of Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
The event aimed to bring together women from various walks of life, particularly focusing on their empowerment through education, economic independence, and social well-being. Delegates discussed pressing issues facing women in the region and shared experiences to promote mutual support and collaboration.
Key Speakers and Dignitaries
The conference saw inspiring speeches from several prominent leaders. Kalyani Raj, the National President of AIWC, highlighted the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes and stressed the need for policies that address the specific challenges women face in today’s world.
Manju Kak, the Secretary General of AIWC, shared her insights on the role of education in women’s empowerment, emphasizing how empowering women with knowledge and skills can create lasting change in society. Meanwhile, Sumi Chopra, the Zonal Coordinator, spoke about the need for collective action to address issues like gender inequality and to promote social and economic equality for women.
Chief Guest’s Address
In his address, Satish Sharma lauded the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Women Society and AIWC in their continuous work towards uplifting women through education and development programs. He emphasized the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to empowering women, especially through initiatives that focus on education, health, and entrepreneurship.
“Women are the backbone of any society, and when women are educated and empowered, the entire nation progresses,” said Minister Satish Sharma. “The government will continue to support initiatives that promote the welfare of women and help them become self-reliant.”
Promoting Women’s Education and Development
The conference focused on several key themes:
- Empowering Women through Education: Speakers emphasized the need for accessible education for women and girls to help them achieve economic independence and improve their social status.
- Promoting Women in Leadership Roles: Encouraging more women to take up leadership positions in politics, business, and education was a central discussion point.
- Health and Well-being: Delegates discussed the importance of mental and physical health support for women, particularly in remote and rural areas.
- Legal Rights and Advocacy: Ensuring women’s legal rights, including protection from domestic violence, workplace harassment, and other forms of discrimination, was also highlighted.
A Call for Unity and Collective Action
Throughout the day, delegates engaged in interactive sessions, sharing ideas and experiences, while also participating in workshops that focused on skill-building, leadership training, and awareness of government schemes designed to empower women.
The conference concluded with a strong call for unity among women across the region to collaborate for societal change and push for more inclusive policies that uplift and support women at all levels of society.
Conclusion
The North Zone Zonal Conference of the All India Women’s Conference provided a platform for women leaders, activists, and delegates to come together, exchange ideas, and work toward a common goal: empowering women through education, advocacy, and collaboration. The event underscored the need for continuous efforts to address gender inequality and promote the well-being of women in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
As the conference came to a close, the participants expressed their determination to continue their work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for women.
