The District Administration Kathua today formally launched the Women’s Week Campaign with a grand inaugural ceremony held at Government Degree College (GDC) Women, marking the beginning of a week-long series of activities dedicated to promote the empowerment of women in the district.
The Campaign centers on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao theme, underscoring the collective resolve to protect, educate and empower the girl child. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma as the Chief Guest, besides ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma; District Programme Officer ICDS Mohammad Syed Khan; ADC Vishavjeet Singh; CPO Ranjeet Thakur; DSWO Varun Chaudhary and other senior officers.
Faculty members, students of the Women’s College and officials from the Social Welfare Department were also present in large numbers. The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and Saraswati Vandana, followed by a thought-provoking Nukkad Natak focusing on women safety and the measures required to ensure a secure environment for girls.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner underscored the pivotal role of women in nation-building and emphasized the need to ensure equal opportunities, safety, quality education and economic independence for them. Highlighting the significance of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening women-centric schemes, promoting skill development, health awareness and inclusive growth.
“It is for the first time, Women’s Week is being celebrated on such a scale in the district” he noted. College Faculty, Prof. Rachna stressed the importance of maintaining gender balance in society and called for sustained efforts to make women self-reliant and financially independent.
Mementoes were presented to Prof. Rachna and the students who performed Saraswati Vandana and Nukkad Natak in recognition of their commendable performances. Earlier, the District Social Welfare Officer highlighted the objectives of observing Women’s Week.
He lauded the increasing participation of women in diverse fields and reiterated the department’s commitment towards their welfare and empowerment. Meanwhile, similar inaugural functions were organized simultaneously across all sub-divisions of the district.