Women’s contribution must be acknowledged: CJ
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, along with J&K Legal Services Authority, in collaboration with administration of UT of Jammu & Kashmir and University of Kashmir, organized a mega event to mark celebration of International Women’s Day at University of Kashmir.
The speakers, while speaking on the occasion, advocated women empowerment and active participation in progress and prosperity of the nation for a flourished society.
Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and Patron-in-Chief of J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, graced the occasion as chief guest while Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir, Nilofer Khan, participated as guest of honor.
The event was also attended by eminent personalities including Dr. Vijay Lakshmi Brara, Justice Moksha Kazmi Khajuria, Justice Waseem Sadiq Nargal, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice M.K. Sharma, Dr. Naseer Iqbal Registrar University of Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Registrar Judicial, Amit Gupta, Member Secretary JKSLSA Abdul Bari, Joint Registrar Judicial, members of the Registry, Judicial Officers and Officers of J&K Legal Services Authority and High Court, officers of civil and police administration, officers and faculty members of University of Kashmir, frontline workers of Health and Social Welfare Department, DLSA staff members and Para Legal Volunteers, members of LADC and students. The event was virtually joined from Jammu by Shahzad Azeem Registrar General High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of women achievers from various spheres of life, felicitating them for their outstanding endeavors.
The women achievers Mohsina Sibtain (JKPS), Advocate Masoodha Jan, Advocate Aarifa Jan, Afshaan, Neerja Mattoo and Soliha Bashir expressed their views on the occasion. They highlighted the importance of conducive environment for overall development of girl child. Additionally, ten success stories from ten districts of the Valley were screened during the event, shedding light on their remarkable achievements, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
Chief Justice also felicitated them for their hard work and dedication.
The program featured special live performances by artists from Cultural Department and Roshni Production, addressing pertinent issues such as drug abuse and violence against women.
Through artistic expression, the audience was sensitized about these pressing concerns, fostering a collective resolve to combat them.
Chief Justice, in his special address, underlined the constitutional and statutory safeguards imperative for women’s empowerment, reaffirming the commitment of judiciary towards gender equality and justice for all.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir, commenced the event with her opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive environment for women’s growth and empowerment.
The celebration of International Women’s Day served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to empower women, thereby accelerating progress and fostering a more equitable society.
Later, speaking to the media on the occasion, the Chief Justice noted that women have been playing a stellar role in society.
However, he was quick to add that somehow, “the same has not been recognized in the modern times.”
He also noted that there is a dire need for the society to recognize the contribution of women as well as difficulties faced by them.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the contribution of women must be acknowledged to “make our society a better one without any discrimination and provide all the spaces women deserve, which men have mostly deprived them of.”
He added that the day, celebrated worldwide, serves as a reminder of the important role played by women. “This day also aims to inspire us to acknowledge the role played by them in every sphere.”
The Chief Justice pointed out that the difficulties faced by women are “often created by men” and emphasized the need to make ourselves aware of this fact.
“We must also recognize the challenges faced by women in their daily lives and acknowledge the difficulties often created by men,” he said.
He stressed that observing International Women’s Day is also an attempt to remind the masses that there cannot be any discrimination against women and “we must recognize the potential and rights of women so that we are equal partners in society.”
He emphasized that the celebrations on International Women’s Day should not only aim to celebrate successful women but also provide them with the necessary space and motivation for a better society.
