SRINAGAR: The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), Jammu and Kashmir State Centre, celebrated International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026 in Srinagar, honouring outstanding women engineers for their contributions to innovation, research, infrastructure development and public service.
The one-day seminar, organised on the theme “Engineering Intelligence” with the sub-theme “Jammu and Kashmir’s Daughters, Architects of Tomorrow”, brought together engineers, academicians, researchers, students, policymakers and industry professionals to recognise the role of women in advancing engineering and technology.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the IEI Jammu and Kashmir Women in Engineering Awards 2026, instituted by the State Centre to acknowledge excellence, leadership and innovation among women engineers from Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the Emerging Woman Engineer Award category, the Gold Award was conferred on Dr Fatima Jalid. Silver Awards were presented to Er Hishma and Dr Janani L, while Bronze Awards went to Ms Inhas Ashraf and Dr Neelam Saleem Khan.
In the Woman Engineering Leadership Award category, Er Anbreena Anjum received the Gold Award, Er Raveeza Din the Silver Award and Er Hur-e-Yasrab the Bronze Award.
The Distinguished Woman Engineer Award category saw the Gold Award presented to Er M Aaquib Sultana Waheed Deva, the Silver Award to Er Jahan Ara and the Bronze Award to Er Nazia Nazir Zahid.
The awardees were recognised for their contributions across diverse sectors, including engineering education, research, power systems, water resource management, public infrastructure, healthcare engineering, transportation engineering, information technology and public service.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Er Ferdous Ahad Bhat, Chairman of IEI Jammu and Kashmir State Centre, who highlighted the growing role of women engineers in building a resilient, innovative and sustainable future. He also encouraged young professionals to participate in technical forums and obtain membership of the Institution of Engineers to support their professional development.
Er Irfan Ahmad Reshi, Honorary Secretary of the State Centre, outlined the objectives of the seminar and emphasised the importance of creating platforms that promote technical excellence and professional growth.
The seminar featured a series of interactive sessions involving emerging women engineers, retired engineering pioneers and women leaders from various engineering disciplines, who shared their professional experiences, achievements and challenges with participants.
The valedictory session was attended by Dilafrose Qazi, Vice Chairperson of SSM College of Engineering, and MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi. The dignitaries lauded the achievements of women engineers and stressed the need to encourage greater participation of women in the engineering profession.
Speakers at the event said initiatives such as the Women in Engineering Awards help inspire future generations while recognising the growing contribution of women engineers to nation-building, innovation and societal development.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Er Irfan Ahmad Reshi.
