The Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Women (JKSCW) is all set to launch massive awareness campaign regarding women rights and issues through various interventions across the State.A team of the Commission led by its chairperson Nayeema Ahmed Mahjoor, is starting the awareness campaign from the districts falling in Chenab valley from Tuesday.
The Commission has planned awareness programmes in Bhaderwah and Doda areas from Tuesday with the facilitation of the district administration. During the awareness campaign the Commission team will sensitize the women about the issues like domestic violence, matrimonial issues, harassment, dowry etc.
The Commission would be involving the Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, District Social Welfare Offices, colleges and even the regional University campuses for its mass awareness programmes which have been very successful in the past too.In a statement the Commission has said that that its Jammu office will be functioning from Pragati Bhawan, Rail Head Complex and anybody can walk in with their problems. It said the Commission on an average receives 8 to 10 cases daily in Kashmir valley and 5-10 cases in Jammu region which are mostly on separation from husband or kids, drugs, alcohol etc.
The J&K State Commission for Women has the powers of a civil court in terms of examining matters of rights and security of women within Jammu and Kashmir. It had been established to protect women's rights and advance the cause of women in the State.Although the members of the Commission are appointed by the State Government, the Commission itself is independent and functions in a quasi-judicial capacity, having the powers of a civil court in matters relating to evidence.
Ms Mahjoor informed that in Kashmir valley, there is lot of awareness among the women about their rights but in Jammu, the women are not even aware about the existence and functioning of Women’s Commission. “Thus is it important for us to spread this message and reach out to the women in Jammu region,” she asserted adding that as women from far flung areas are not able to come to Jammu, it is imperative for the Commission to reach out to these women in their own respective areas through outreach awareness programmes.The Commission, in the next few months, would also be traveling to Poonch, Rajouri, Samba and Kathua to listen to women’s issues and resolve the same.