Peerzada Sayeed
Kupwara, Kashmir – September 18, 2024: Shah Anwar Memorial Senior School in Khumriyal, Kupwara, hosted an enlightening program titled *”Do Women Know Their Rights,”* aimed at raising awareness about women’s rights within cultural and societal contexts. The event was organized by the Anhad Community Centre and Help Foundation Kashmir and saw the participation of notable figures in the field of women’s rights advocacy.
The program’s keynote speakers included Dr. Syeda Hameed, a Padma Bhushan awardee, renowned social activist, writer, and former member of the Planning Commission of India and National Commission for Women, and Sheba George, an expert in Speech Therapy and Audiology and founder of SAHR WARU: Women’s Action and Resource Unit. They addressed the gathering, focusing on the significance of understanding women’s rights from religious, cultural, and legal perspectives.
Dr. Hameed delivered a powerful speech on the need for a nuanced understanding of women’s rights within religious and cultural frameworks. She criticized conservative interpretations of religious norms that often dilute the rights of women, urging both men and women to adopt a more liberal and enlightened view of these norms. Her message emphasized the importance of community planning and collective action to ensure gender equality.
Sheba George followed by discussing constitutional and legal provisions that protect women’s rights in India. She provided an overview of laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, and domestic violence legislation. Her session highlighted the crucial need for women to be aware of their legal protections and for society to support gender equality.
The event also featured an interactive session where students actively engaged with the speakers, asking insightful questions about women’s rights and their roles in society.
Other notable attendees included Mrs. Shamsul Mushtaq Saba, Principal of Shah Anwar Memorial Senior School, and representatives from the Anhad Community Centre and Help Foundation, including Mr. Irfan Ahmad Magray, Mr. Shaiq Ahmad, Ms. Neefiya Aslam, Mr. Ab Qayoom Mir, Mr. Arun Kumar, Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, Shiekh Rouf, and Shahid Bhatt.
In closing, Mrs. Saba extended a vote of thanks, underscoring the importance of continued discussions on women’s rights and gender equality in educational spaces.
Following the event, Dr. Syeda Hameed and Sheba George visited the Anhad Community Centre, where they interacted with students preparing for competitive exams, offering encouragement and guidance.
This awareness program marked a significant step toward fostering a deeper understanding of women’s rights among young students, equipping them with the knowledge needed to advocate for gender equality in their communities.
