Peerzada Zubair
Kupwara, March 08 : International women’s day is celebrated every year on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. An event was conducted by Indian Army to promote the agenda of women equality and women empowerment in Kupwara. 450 young girls and women from Panzgam’s neighbouring villages attended the event that was held at the Girls Higher Secondary School Lunahare. Ishrat Akhter, a female wheelchair basketball player who has competed internationally and was also instrumental in the formation of J&K’s first female wheelchair basketball team inspired young girls to participate in sports by setting an example for them by achieving success in her field despite adversities. The emerging star in sports from Kashmir Ms Tajamul Islam (International Kickboxing Gold Medallist) delivered motivational talk to inspire the women folk to take up sports as a way of life. She candidly brought out how she faced the similar challenges in her house and the society, where everyone dissuaded her to take up her passion for sports and how her parents supported her during her journey towards achieving the success she always dreamt of. The young girls showcased their talent by creating artwork on the theme “Best out of Waste,” which highlighted their abilities and gave them a platform to exhibit it in front of a large audience. They also actively participated in the drawing and quiz competitions held on the occasion. It was heartening to see the participation by the girls who overcame their fears of stage fright to put up a display of group songs, lecture on G20 summit awareness and motivational talk on the need for women to stand up for their rights within their homes. Tree plantation drive at Trehgam was also conducted by girl students of Hajipir Army Goodwill School on the occasion of women’s day. Total of 55 students and school staff planted 100 trees provided by SBI Branch of Trehgam. The Indian Army in Trehgam & Panzgam has been actively involved in encouraging women to come forward and share the same pedestal with men by establishing and running skill development centres where women are trained to become frontline health workers and develop skills in cutting and tailoring so they can support themselves with such talent. In the past 12 months, these skill centres have trained over 300 women and girls. Commander Hajipir Brigade complemented the women who have been spearheading this initiative of upskilling other girls and stiching of national flags for sale and distribution and also honoured during the event. He urged people to take a pledge to empower women and give them their due rights so that they can contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Kashmir valley as well as the country. He mentioned that education is the first step towards women empowerment and gave away books to all participants of the event to enlighten them, as to what women are capable of achieving.
