SRINAGAR, MARCH 9 – A remarkable event was held at Ahata Waqar in Chanapora to honour International Women’s Day on Saturday. Ahata Waqar, a day-care and recreational centre for senior citizens which operates under the auspices of the District Legal Services Authority-Srinagar (DLSA), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and the Directorate of Health Services-Kashmir
The event commenced with a recitation of Quranic verses by Javed Ahmad Baigh, followed by a moving Naat-e-sharief performance by senior member Er. Khazir Mohammad Trag.
Notable figures such as Shoqya Qureshi, Saiqa Rafiq and Sayiqa Tabassum from Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Bazmi Nisan; Dr. Sameena Wani, Principal of GHSS-Chanapora, and frontline workers from Health and Social Welfare Departments, DLSA staff members, Para Legal Volunteers, and members of civil society graced the occasion with their presence.
Abdul Gani Parray, Chairman of the Senior Citizens Council and Ahata Waqar, enlightened the audience about the center’s objectives and advocated for women’s empowerment and their active participation in societal progress and prosperity. He assured that the center’s members would always be ready to address the needs of senior women in the community.
The ambience at Ahata Waqar was filled with enthusiasm, as it was the first function exclusively dedicated to women’s cause.
Speaking on the occasion, Shoqya Qureshi emphasized the importance of International Women’s Day by highlighting women’s achievements and their pivotal role in shaping society. She stressed the necessity of ensuring women’s mental peace and stability for the development of a healthy society.
Dr. Sameena underscored the invaluable contributions of women across various spheres of life and urged efforts to address critical issues such as drug abuse and violence against women. She emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment, hard work, and dedication for the overall development of the girl child.
Noted Radio Kashmir anchor-presenter Saiqa Tabassum stressed the need for constitutional and statutory safeguards for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and justice for all. She shared a success story of a courageous woman who transformed her family’s status through her bravery.
She encouraged women to live with courage and commitment, emphasizing their indispensable role in society.
The Tehsil Social Welfare Officer-Srinagar informed the gathering about various welfare programs designed for women’s benefit, including support for specially-abled women.
Dr. Laila Sultana gracefully conducted the proceedings of the function, urging collective efforts to reaffirm the commitment to a future where women’s contributions are acknowledged, celebrated, and valued.
