International Women’s Day celebrated at GDC-Kargil

International Women’s Day celebrated at GDC-Kargil

Kargil, March 08, 2024: The International Women’s Day was celebrated today at Government Degree College, Kargil where Additional Secretary, Higher Education/Joint Director, Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho was the chief guest.

During the event, a cultural song & dance performance was put on display by students of the College. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Mohammad Tauhid while Faiza Naaz gave the introductory speech. The event was attended by the officiating Principal, Dr.Razia Parveen, Assistant Professors, staff and a large number of students of the College.

Addressing the gathering, the Additional Secretary said the exercise of women rights in letter and spirit is still conspicuous by its absence in our society. “We need to instil good values among our children in the course of their upbringing to enable them to practice and understand gender equality in a much more practical manner,” he said.

He also addressed the issues faced by women especially the horrendous crimes against women and asserted that in an ideal society women should feel safe not only within the confines of their homes but also whenever they venture out.

Imteeaz Kacho expressed his delight regarding the growing enrolment of female students at GDC-Kargil. He also highlighted the significant emergence of women achievers in Ladakhi society exemplified by Commissioner/Secretary,Higher Education/Social Welfare, Padma Angmo, IIS as well as two outstanding female athletes in the fields of Ice Hockey belonging to Kargil – Mehroon Nissa from Shargole and Rigzin Yangdol from Kukshow.

Kacho expressed delight over the rising literacy rate among girls and advised the female students to not only excel academically but also prove their mettle in sports. He urged them to simultaneously equip themselves with self-defence skills for the sake of safety.

During the event, Director and Founder of Shoqpa Foundation, Khushbu Joshi delved at length into crucial issues like gender equality in society, reproductive rights, feminism and other relevant topics. She also shared her experiences while actively working on menstrual hygiene in Kargil District. A short film, produced by Shoqpa Foundation, on menstrual hygiene and awareness was also screened during the event.

Officiating Principal and Assistant Professor, Dr.Razia Parveen said Internal Women’s Day serves as a reminder of women’s strides towards achieving gender equality. She emphasized that investing in education, economic empowerment and healthcare of women is tantamount to investing in a prosperous society.

Notably, the accomplished female students of the College, both in academic and extra-curricular pursuits, were honoured by the dignitaries with certificates. In addition to Additional Secretary Imteeaz Kacho, Khushbu Joshi and Principal, GDC-Kargil Dr.Amina Qari were presented with mementos by the college administration in recognition of their contributions.

At the end of the proceedings, Khatija Tamanna presented vote of thanks.