Srinagar
The Media Education Research Centre (MERC), the University of Kashmir here on Tuesday organized a series of events to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The programme started with a string of street theatre acts revolving around various social issues including dowry, domestic violence, acid attack, eve-teasing etc. confronting the society.
The acts were performed by the first semester students of the Centre in the scenic lawns of the varsity. The theme of the street play was scripted and directed by Faisal Aakhoon, second-semester student of the Centre. The play was followed by mesmerizing songs and poetry citation weaved around the theme.
Underlining the philosophy of the theme of the event, Vice-Chancellor Central University of Kashmir, Professor Mehraj-ud-din, Mir appreciated women for their performance at various levels and the efforts they put in to make life meaningful. Addressing a gathering that had assembled to witness the live performance of the students, he asked women to be bold enough to face the challenges and move forward.
Aalia Masoodi, who has been a trainee with India International Movement for United Nations (IIMUN), also spoke on the occasion. Stressing for equality and justice, she said that women should believe in themselves and strive for carving a niche for themselves.
Dr Aaliya Ahmed, Head of the Department, also spoke on the occasion and put on record the appreciation for the efforts of the students and thanked MERC team for making the event possible. She thanked the KU admin for their continuous support.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Work, KU organized a one-day program in collaboration with the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW).
The theme for the program was ‘Each for Equal: An Equal World is an Enabled World’.
The program highlights included the inaugural session, panel discussions, speeches by various experts and other activities like Art Competition, Skit and cultural programmes.
The inaugural session was attended by Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar University of Kashmir, Prof Asifa Jan, Dean Social Sciences KU, Prof Fozia Qazi, IUST, Ms Rifat Arif, State Mission Director, SRCM. Dr Aadil Bashir, Coordinator, Dept of Social Work, KU.
Registrar KU Dr Nisar A Mir in his speech talked about the rights of women and highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day. He assured complete support of University administration in every such endeavour that will promote women empowerment.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Fozia Qazi who emphasised the role of various stakeholders at individual and collective levels in bringing to reality the meanings attached to gender equality in our society. Prof Asifa Jan, Dean School of Social Sciences, in her address emphasized on the need to work collectively for giving women equal opportunities in every field so as to demonstrate potential and abilities.
Dr Aadil Bashir, Co-ordinator Social Work, stressed on the need for close co-operation of various stakeholders to ensure justice, equality and non-discrimination of women in the society and also discussed the meaning of this IWD’s theme ‘Each for Equal’.
Ms Rifat Arif, SMD in her speech deliberated upon various schemes and programs launched by the central and state Government from time to time for the upliftment and overall development of women.
The themes of this year IWD were rigorously discussed by panellists in two-panel discussions delineating on the socio-legal aspects of equality and health and wealth aspects of women empowerment.
Later in the valedictory session, Prof Zaffar Reishi, Dean Research, KU and Prof Nilofer Khan, Director Institute of Home Science KU emphasized upon the need of women to be strong and develop the leadership qualities and talked about the contribution and sacrifices of women in the development of society. Javaid Rashid, Assistant Professor Social Work conducted the proceedings of the event. The winners of Art Competition and female meritorious students of PG programmes across different departments of the University were felicitated by the guest in the Valedictory session.
