Srinagar :The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre Srinagar organised an online Students’ Discussion Forum on the theme Nari Shakti VandanAdhiniyam to create awareness among learners about women’s empowerment and constitutional provisions for enhancing their political representation.
The programme was conducted in an interactive format, featuring expert presentations followed by a question-and-answer session, utilizing multimedia tools to foster real-time engagement and participation. Attendees included students, academic counsellors, coordinators, college principals from various government colleges in the Valley, as well as officers and staff from the Regional Centre. Dr. Amina Parveen, Head of the Department of Education at the University of Kashmir, and Dr. Shabnam Ara, Head of the Department of Sociology at Amar Singh College Srinagar, addressed the critical issue of women’s underrepresentation in legislative bodies, such as the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. They emphasized the significance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in bridging gender gaps and enhancing women’s participation in governance, while also discussing the socio-cultural and structural challenges that hinder women’s progress. Participants highlighted the necessity of increasing awareness among students regarding women’s political rights and advocated for the use of educational institutions as platforms for sensitizing individuals on gender issues. The discussions underscored the importance of capacity-building initiatives aimed at preparing women for leadership roles and active governance participation. A collective resolution was made to promote equality, justice, and the empowerment of women, alongside a commitment to ongoing efforts to address gender disparities in political representation. Dr. A. H. Rizvi, Regional Director of IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar, noted that the programme aimed to inspire learners to contribute actively to promoting inclusivity and awareness of women’s rights.
