JAMMU: A series of events were organised across Jammu Division to celebrate International Women’s Day, highlighting women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, sports participation and social awareness.
At Doda, the Department of Agriculture, Sub Division Pranoo, celebrated International Women’s Day at Dak Bungalow Bhaderwah by organising a gender sensitization and inclusive awareness workshop. Speakers delivered informative lectures on women’s empowerment, gender sensitization and their participation in decision-making processes.
Participants were also acquainted with various flagship government initiatives offering entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors.
At Samba, the Social Welfare Department organised a programme to mark International Women’s Day. Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan inaugurated the programme and emphasised the importance of gender equality and the need to ensure equal opportunities for women in all sectors.
The programme was held under the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting the importance of generosity, collaboration and collective efforts to accelerate gender equality. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from officials, women entrepreneurs, college students and members of civil society.
At Kishtwar, the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the District Administration, organised a training-cum-workshop on gender sensitization. Women and young girls from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were awared about their rights and responsibilities to enable them to actively contribute to the development of society and the nation.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma graced the event as the Chief Guest, while daughter of the soil Dr Daisy Parihar, Principal Government ANMT School Gandhinagar, was the Guest of Honour. The programme witnessed participation of women farmers, SHGs, Krishi Sakhis and young girls from across the district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to empower women, who constitute nearly half of the country’s population.
Meanwhile, the District Employment and Counselling Centre organised a Women Entrepreneurship and Self-Help Group (SHG) Mela for potential entrepreneurs at GHSS Bhatta, Block Palmar.
The event was graced by MLA Shagun Parihar as the Chief Guest and ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal as the Guest of Honour. Around 100 potential entrepreneurs, along with representatives from various SHGs, participated in the event.
During the programme, the MLA distributed five sanction letters under Mission YUVA to eligible applicants, providing a significant boost to budding entrepreneurs.
At Poonch, the Department of Social Welfare celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 at the Conference Hall of Government Degree College under the theme “Give to Gain.” Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
District Social Welfare Officer Khalil A. Banday highlighted the importance of the day and reiterated the department’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women. Three skits were presented by Anganwadi workers and inmates of Gujjar and Pahari hostels highlighting various schemes, social issues and the important role of women in society.
Women achievers from different fields were felicitated in recognition of their contributions and achievements. School bags were also distributed among participants as part of the programme.
Meanwhile, Block Administration Mankote organised “Azmat-e-Khawateen Mela – Mankote” to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event featured a women’s awareness rally comprising SHG members, expectant mothers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and members of the local community.
Awareness sessions were also conducted focusing on maternal and child health, nutrition and various government welfare initiatives aimed at supporting women and children.
At Reasi, a one-day entrepreneurship mela under Mission YUVA was organised at Block Panthal to mark International Women’s Day.
Various government departments set up stalls showcasing start-up opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, handloom, cooperatives and allied fields. Successful entrepreneurs and Self-Help Group members associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission and Mission POSHAN also displayed their products and shared their experiences to motivate aspiring youth.
A large number of women, SHG members and prospective entrepreneurs participated in the event and interacted with departmental officers and bank representatives to seek guidance regarding the establishment of enterprises under various government initiatives.
Assistant Director Employment Sanjay Kumar Bhat highlighted the importance of Mission YUVA in creating an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurship and livelihood generation among youth. He called upon government departments, financial institutions and other stakeholders to work in coordination to facilitate aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing sustainable enterprises.
At Ramban, the District Administration organised a Women Entrepreneurship Mela at Government Higher Secondary School Banihal. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
Women entrepreneurs, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), unemployed youth and representatives from various government departments participated in the event.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of empowering women through entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives. The stalls set up by the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Handicrafts & Handloom, Cooperatives and Employment disseminated information regarding self-employment schemes and livelihood opportunities available for women.
The DC also distributed Mission YUVA sanction letters to five beneficiaries to support them in establishing their own enterprises. In addition, five women achievers associated with SHGs under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) were felicitated for their inspiring success stories and outstanding contribution towards promoting self-reliance and community development.
Similar programmes and awareness activities were also organised across sub-divisions and tehsils of the district.
At Udhampur, MY Bharat Udhampur celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm at Subhash Stadium by organising an athletic event for girls and women. Hundreds of women participants showcased their sporting spirit and enthusiasm.
The competitions included 100-metres, 200-metres and 400-metres races along with tug-of-war events making the event vibrant and energetic.
MLA Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and appreciated MY Bharat for organising such a meaningful event.
The programme was organised as a joint initiative of MY Bharat, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Khelo India with the objective of empowering women through sports and community participation.
The Health and ICDS departments also set up stalls at the venue to disseminate information regarding health, nutrition and welfare schemes for women.
The programme concluded with the distribution of mementos, medals and certificates among the winners in different categories.
At Rajouri, the District Administration in collaboration with MY Bharat, the Sports Authority of India and Khelo India Centres celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 by organising a series of sports and fitness activities under the ASMITA League.
Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Tejinder Singh and SSP Gaurav Sikarwar attended the event and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of women and girls.
Several competitions including tug-of-war, fun games and 100-metres, 200-metres and 400-metres races were conducted at the District Police Lines.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of creating platforms which empower women and encourage their active participation. He said that such initiatives help build confidence and promote a culture of equality and empowerment in society.
Various government departments set up awareness and service stalls to disseminate information regarding government schemes and services. A special health camp was also organised to provide basic health check-ups and medical consultation to participants.
Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, the Social Welfare Department distributed sports items among girls from Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel, Parisha Rajouri, EMRS Gurdan Bala and EMRS Kotranka to promote sports participation.
A skill centre for training girls in making Gojri caps was also inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to fifty ASHA workers for their contribution towards improving the girl child sex ratio and achieving zero maternal mortality during the year 2025–26 under the BBBP scheme.
Women achievers from different fields, women officers from the civil administration and police department and SHG members were also felicitated on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a day-long Women Entrepreneurship Mela under Mission YUVA was organised at the venue. Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma inaugurated the programme and interacted with participants and stall holders.
The Deputy Director DE&CC gave a detailed presentation on the objectives and scope of Mission YUVA, highlighting its eligibility criteria and support mechanisms available for aspiring entrepreneurs.
