Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Women (SCW) today organized an awareness camp on gender issues at Government Degree College, Uri.Highlighting various aspects of women’s rights and legislations meant to protect them, Chairperson SCW, Nayeema Mehjoor, who was the chief guest, said dowry-related violence, domestic violence, child abuse, eve-teasing and other related crimes against women are manifestations of various forms of social evils prevailing in our society.Mehjoor, who was on a two-day visit to the district, spoke about various provisions of the Constitution and legislations by virtue of which such issues can be redressed.She termed awareness as a necessary tool to safeguard rights of women, stressing that education is pivotal for girls to lead a dignified life. She said discrimination is the main cause for destabilization of social structures and women-friendly initiatives must be undertaken to give them a sense of empowerment.Sub- Divisional Magistrate Uri, Dr Sagar N Doifode, who was the Guest of Honour at the day-long awareness camp, hailed the SCW for organizing such the camp. He urged the SCW to hold such camps in every village of the district.“We must appreciate the role of women in our society and assure them that their rights will be a top priority for the administration. Of late, our country has produced women leaders from diverse fields who have played a pivotal role in shaping the progress of our country,” he said.A large number of girl students from various educational institutions of the district were also present on the occasion. Moreover a question-answer session was also held at the conclusion of the function.Among others, Secretary SCW, district officers and various health workers were present on the occasion.