CEC Dr Akhoon attends International Women’s Day program in Kargil 

CEC Dr Akhoon attends International Women’s Day program in Kargil 

Kargil, March 08, 2025: The District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti Kargil, under the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, Kargil, celebrated International Women’s Day with a special program at Syed Mehdi Auditorium Hall, Kargil. Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attended the event as the chief guest.

Besides the CEC, ADC Kargil, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Wani, Laprosy Officer Kargil, Dr Fatima Nissa, District Program Officer ICDS Kargil, Nargis Bano, Center Administrator, One Stop Center, Umul Baneen staff of LRNM, Health, ICDS, trainees of Handloom Department, staff of Mission Shakti, CDPOs, Supervisors Anganwadi Workers and other concerned officials were present at the event.

At the event, the CEC congratulated women on International Women’s Day and spoke about its significance. He highlighted significant improvements in maternity care services across India, including the Ladakh region, which has eased the hardships faced by rural women.

Dr Akhoon emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene and urged women to prioritize their health and well-being. Addressing concerns about cervical cancer, he announced that the UT Administration of Ladakh is planning to provide free vaccines for adolescent girls to help prevent the disease.

The CEC further highlighted various women-centric initiatives, including the promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He announced that this year, two petrol pumps—one in Drass and another in TSG block—would be allotted to women entrepreneurs.

He underscored the importance of skill development and mentioned that training programs are being conducted at NIELIT and the Agriculture Department to empower women.

Additionally, Dr Akhoon said that a 300-bed women’s hostel will soon be completed, providing accommodation for women in need, along with a shelter home for women facing hardships. He also mentioned that under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, girls belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families receive Rs 50,000, and girls who have applied will receive the benefit this year.

Reaffirming the Hill Council’s commitment to women’s empowerment in Kargil, he noted that educational cum accommodation initiatives in Srinagar and Jammu have been beneficial for female students.

He encouraged women to take advantage of various government welfare schemes to improve their lives and livelihoods. Acknowledging that not everyone can secure a government job, he urged people to explore startups and entrepreneurial ventures that can create job opportunities.

Dr. Akhoon also encouraged women to participate in elections, democratic processes, and leadership roles. He called upon everyone to take a pledge to end gender discrimination and treat all children equally.

He said that Health Department providing sanitary napkins for adolescent students which is a great initiative for menstrual hygiene.

The CEC assured that the Hill Council is always ready to support women, consider their suggestions in decision-making, and ensure their empowerment. He emphasized that women are capable of excelling in every field and can work shoulder-to-shoulder with men.

After the program, the CEC visited the One Stop Centre in Kargil, where he inspected facilities such as reception/counselling, shelter, and kitchen. He also discussed the types of domestic violence cases reported there. The staff of the One Stop Centre raised some demands, which he took note of.

Earlier, at the program Mansoor Hussain delivered a presentation on Mission Shakti Scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, highlighting its key components, including the One Stop Centre, Women Helpline, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s safety and empowerment in the district.

Dr. Fatima Nissa, Leprosy Officer, spoke about women’s menstrual health and the significance of International Women’s Day. She emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene and women’s role in society, urging everyone to promote gender equality.

She highlighted the issues caused by poor menstrual hygiene, encouraging women to use sanitary pads and adopt hygienic practices for their well-being.

Dr Fatima also discussed the link between poor menstrual hygiene and secondary infertility, which is common among women. Additionally, she spoke about proper hand-washing techniques and overall health and well-being.

At the event, a film on International Women’s Day, produced by the Regional Art & Theatre Art Group (RaNTHAG), was screened, captivating the audience.

Later, a prize distribution ceremony was held, where mementos and certificates were awarded to athletes who had excelled in national and international sports events. Women achievers from various fields were also felicitated for their contributions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by District Program Officer ICDS Kargil, Nargis Bano, while the proceedings were conducted by the Center Administrator of the One Stop Centre, Umul Baneen.