GCW M A road celebrates international Women’s Day

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-03-08 23:01:43 |

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KS News Desk

Srinagar March 8: Government College for Women, M A Road, Srinagar Saturday organised an event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The event was organised by the Women’s Study Centre of the college and was attended by students and faculty members at the Lala Arifa auditorium of the campus.

Sahitya Akademi Award 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 Madeeha Majid, a human rights lawyer and motivational speaker.

In her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) 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 the 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 said.

Prof. Yasmeen said 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 her life, quoting from the works of mystic poet Lala Ded and Habba Khatoun.

Written in simple and moving language, Prof. Naseem poems appeal to their readers to let women be, arguing about the need to allow women and girl children to realise their potential.

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. 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," she said.

Guest speaker, Madeeha Majid shared her professional experiences as a lawyer. She exhorted the women to speak and be seen, and be part of the decision making systems concerning them.

Guest speaker, Dr. Fatima Jalid shared her impressive research work besides suggesting tips for young women researchers. Pertinently, she was included in the recently published book ‘She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry’ which highlights the contributions of 75 distinguished Indian women who have made significant impacts in chemistry and related fields.

In her address, Dr. Faitma advocated for day-care facilities at all workplaces for working women. 

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, M. A. Road.

Since its inception in 2007, the study centre has been working on issues related to women, including gender disparity and legal rights. “The centre aims to promote women's studies through four domains of teaching, training, documentation and extension work. The centre is also committed to institutionalise women's studies as an academic programme,” said Dr. Abina.

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. 

Dr. Asiya Nazir, Member Secretary of WSC, presented Vote of Thanks at the conclusion of the first session.

Earlier, Semester 1 student, Nur Sadiq, who anchored the proceedings, briefed the audience about the history and relevance of Women’s Day. 

The event started with the recitation of ‘Naat-i-Sharif’ by Masroofa of 2nd semester followed by the traditional ‘Izband’ ceremony and presentation of mementos.

In the second session of the programme, the Young Women’s Conference was held. Midhat Zia Soharwardy, a 6th semester IG student, was the chairperson of the session.

In the concluding ceremony, the participants were felicitated by the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq. Prof. Sheikh Muhammad Irfan presented Vote of Thanks for the second session. Prof. As-Sami and Prof. Sadaf Bushra were the rapporteurs of the programme.