Women empowerment must for creating just, equitable society: Sakeena Itoo

Jammu, Mar 8: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, Saturday remarked that Women have excelled in every field, performing a crucial role in shaping the society.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing the International Women’s Day celebrations at Convention Centre here. This years theme of International Women’s Day, ‘Accelerate Action,’ calls for rapid advancements in gender equality.
Addressing the large gathering of women achievers and female students, Sakeena Itoo emphasized on the importance of gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusive development for creating a just and equitable society. She called for continued efforts to ensure participation of women in all spheres of life.
“Women are backbone of our society. We must work collectively to create an environment where women feel safe, valued and empowered to achieve their dreams”, she stated.
The Minister applauded the resilience and achievements of women from various walks of life, encouraging them to break barriers and contribute to nation-building. “We need to recognise the strength, resilience and contributions of women in every field, from science and politics to business and arts, civil services to healthcare providers and educationists and reflect on the work that still lies ahead”, Sakeena said.
While speaking on different aspects related to women empowerment, the Minister highlighted that some issues like dowry and drug menace are prevalent in our society and we need to work collectively to destroy the roots of these evils from our society.
“We all need to remember that the fight for equality is not just for the women, but for all of us. When women succeed, communities thrive, economies grow and societies become more just”, Sakeena stated.
In her address, the Minister also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, for announcing several measures for women welfare and empowerment while presenting Budget in the Legislative Assembly. She said that the free travel in government buses for women folk will ensure increase in female literacy rate and add to empowerment of women across Jammu and Kashmir.
She added that marriage assistance to deserving women has also been increased from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 75,000, besides old age/widow and disability pension has also been increased.
Calling out women to aspire big, Sakeena Itoo said that times have changed and women are everywhere and in every field. She asked the women folk to pledge today that they will aspire for big dreams and remain determined to achieve those.
The Minister, on the occasion, also said that it is proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, especially women folk that a daughter of soil is Medical Superintendent of AIIMS, New Delhi a prestigious health institution of our country.
In his welcome address, MD Mission Shakti and Mission Vastalya, Majid Khalil Drabu said that this day is celebrated to honour the incredible achievements of women and acknowledge difficulties faced by them. He said that we as a society have a role to play in creating a world where women have equal opportunities to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations and dreams.
A short film on different schemes operated by Social Welfare department regarding empowering women and transforming lives was also showcased on the occasion.
On the occasion, the Minister felicitated several women achievers of J&K like Kailash Mehra, Dr. Milan Sharma, Surinder Kour, Rubeena, Nazia Bibi, Sunita Sharma, Sangeeta Devi, Gurmeet Kour, Kumti Khajuria and Shagun Manchanda. She also felicitated sports achievers like Chavi Sharma, Ria Bhakshi and Jia Manhas on the occasion.
She also distributed tabs among the meritorious girl students.
The event also witnessed remarkable performances by Sonali Dogra on Beti Bachao Beti Padao and other artist group.
On the occasion, some remarkable women achievers of J&K like Indian Para Archer, Sheetal Devi, International Car racer, Humaira Mushtaq and Medical Superintendent of AIIMS New Delhi, Dr. Nirupama Madan gave unique video messages to women folk on how to excel in lives.
Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department, Sanjeev Verma; HoDs of Health/Colleges/ Social Welfare, senior officers of concerned departments and large number of women achievers and female students were present to mark the International Women’s Day celebrations.