Muzaffarabad, In a series of seminars held in Muzaffarabad and Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to commemorate International Women’s Day, speakers paid homage to the resilience of Kashmiri women in their ongoing struggle for the right to self-determination. The events highlighted the critical role and the immense challenges faced by women in the conflict-ridden regions of Kashmir and Palestine.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Al-Mustafa Welfare Society orchestrated a program at the Al-Mustafa Complex, drawing participation from the Vocational Training Institute, Institute for Rehabilitation of Handicapped, among others. The session was led by President of Al-Mustafa Welfare Ateeq Ahmed Kiani, with notable contributions from women wing head Sumera Baig, and social activist Dr. Munaza Yaqoob.
The speakers lauded the courage of women in Kashmir and Palestine who continue to endure the brutalities of Indian and Israeli forces. Ateeq Ahmed emphasized the need for the global community to exert pressure on India and Israel to halt their repressive measures against women.
Furthermore, the Institute of Dialogue Development and Diplomatic Studies (IDDDS) held a seminar entitled “Call of My Pain” at the Government Girls College Garhi Dupatta, Muzaffarabad. Prof Samina, the principal of the college, acknowledged the severe impact of Indian Army’s brutalities on Kashmiri women, citing the illegal detention of notable figures such as Asiya Andrabi, Fahmeeda Sofi, and Naheed Nasreen as emblematic of the broader struggle.
The events also featured contributions from teachers and students, all echoing the call for international recognition and action against the atrocities committed against women in Kashmir.
In Bagh, Pasban e Hurriyat organized a commemorative function at the Women University, attended by numerous teachers and students. The assembly voiced their concern over the international community’s silence on the egregious violations perpetrated by Indian forces against Kashmiri women, urging a reassessment of democratic and secular values in light of these violations.