Jammu, January 8, 2024 : In a momentous stride towards fortifying women empowerment and advancing feminine progress within the electoral landscape, a Mega Conclave convened, bringing together women leaders and esteemed politicians from across the nation. Under the distinguished banner of Stree Shakti, this historic gathering unfolded at the illustrious Hari Niwas Palace in Jammu. Distinguished political luminaries such as Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a senior figure of the National Conference and Parliament member, Safina Baig, Senior People’s Democratic Leader and DDC Chairman, and Kavinder Gupta, Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former Deputy Chief Minister, graced the occasion. Joining them were eminent personalities like Dr. Kunawarani Ritu Singh, an esteemed educationist and Chairman of the Maharaja Hari Singh Foundation and Farzana Mumtaz, Editor in Chief of News Kashmir and a prominent media figure.
On the occasion Dr. Farooq Abdullah remarked, “As a soul who has witnessed the ebb and flow of Kashmir’s history, I stand before you today with a heart brimming with hope. This Stree Shakti Conclave is not just a gathering, it is a turning point. For the first time, the ramparts of Hari Niwas echo with the united voices of women leaders, their resolve as unwavering as the Himalayas themselves. This is a day we will etch in gold, a day that marks the dawn of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir, for India.”
Safina Baig poured her heart out as, “Today, we celebrate a hard-won victory – the passage of the women’s bill. We extend our gratitude to the Modi government for shepherding this bill through, but acknowledge that this is merely the first step on a long road to gender justice.”
Rekha Mody, Founder of Stree Shakti – the Parallel Force and architect of this monumental gathering, emphasized the significance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, underscoring that the epoch-making Women’s Reservation Bill in Indian politics serves as a resolute countermeasure against divisive forces rooted in religion and caste. Ms. Mody expressed her conviction, stating, “Women are ready to embrace reservation and it is political parties who need to walk the talk. At the historic Hari Niwas Palace, Jammu, we celebrated the Women Reservation Bill and expressed gratitude that Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry are the first regions of the country that will witness implementation of women reservation in electoral polity. We are stressing on women of Jammu and Kashmir to be ready to be part of history and all the political parties to not just wait for reservation, but be women centric in approach, actively shaping the new political landscape.”
Dr. Kunawarani Ritu Singh, an eminent educationist and Chairperson of the Maharaja Hari Singh Foundation, lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in steering the women of Jammu and Kashmir towards a brighter present and future for the country. Dr. Singh highlighted the transformative impact of women’s Reservation, foreseeing a significant elevation in the socio-political status of Indian women and a catalytic boost in entrepreneurial development across all spheres. Furthermore, Dr. Singh stressed that active participation of women in governance and policy-making would foster equality and efficiency, aligning with the foundational principles of Indian democracy.
She shared her views as, “Women of J&K, rise with Modi’s vision! Reservation is our weapon, entrepreneurship our battlefield, and equality our ultimate victory.”
Farzana Mumtaz, Editor-in-Chief of News Kashmir weekly and a prominent women’s advocate in Jammu and Kashmir, lauded the implementation of reservations for women, terming it a significant omen for gender equality. She asserted that with the incorporation of necessary provisions, women will now have representation in all crucial tiers of governance, paving the way for their active involvement in steering the nation towards an era of progress.
Social and political circles of Jammu and Kashmir have widely applauded the move of Stree Shakti and as the women of Jammu and Kashmir stand poised to take a leading role in shaping the destiny of the nation, Stree Shakti remains committed to championing the cause of women’s empowerment and fostering an environment where women play a pivotal role in the governance and progress of the country.
