Srinagar, April 15: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre Srinagar organised an online Students’ Discussion Forum on the theme Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to create awareness among learners about women’s empowerment and constitutional provisions for enhancing their political representation.
The programme, as per a PIB statement, was conducted in an interactive format featuring expert presentations followed by a question-and-answer session. The discussions were facilitated through multimedia presentations and real-time engagement to encourage participation and exchange of ideas.
The event witnessed participation from students, academic counsellors, coordinators, college principals from various government colleges in the Valley, and officers and staff of the Regional Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amina Parveen, Head, Department of Education, University of Kashmir, and Dr. Shabnam Ara, Head, Department of Sociology, Amar Singh College Srinagar, highlighted the issue of underrepresentation of women in legislative bodies such as the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. They underlined the importance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in addressing gender gaps and enhancing women’s participation in governance, while also discussing socio-cultural and structural challenges faced by women.
During the deliberations, participants emphasised the need to strengthen awareness among students regarding women’s political rights and to utilise educational institutions as platforms for sensitisation on gender issues. The importance of capacity-building initiatives to equip women for leadership roles and active participation in governance was also highlighted.
Participants resolved to promote equality, justice and empowerment of women and to undertake sustained efforts towards bridging gender gaps in political representation.
Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar, Dr. A. H. Rizvi, stated that the programme aimed at encouraging learners to actively contribute towards promoting inclusivity and awareness on women’s rights.
The programme was moderated by Dr. Mohd Abdullah, Assistant Regional Director, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Bhanwar Singh, Assistant Registrar, IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar.
