District administration Udhampur in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare today celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm in the district on the theme “Give to Gain” Empowered Women, Empowered Society.
Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa was the chief guest on the occasion, Additional SP Sandeep Bhat was the guest of honour while District Social Welfare Officer Kanika Gupta presided over the programme. ADDC Jugal Kishore, ACD, CEO and officers from various departments including Employment, Social Welfare, Umeed, NRLM, students from various schools and colleges participated in the program.
The DSWO highlighted the historical significance of International Women’s Day. She emphasized that the day is observed annually to raise awareness about women’s rights and to celebrate the social, economic, cultural achievements of women.
While addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner congratulated all the participants and underscored the importance of spreading awareness about women’s empowerment. He stated that women play a vital role in every field of society and stressed that such programmes are crucial in promoting education, ensuring equal participation of women in all sectors and combating gender-biased sex selection.
The DC further remarked that true women’s empowerment can be achieved only when society as a whole becomes more aware and sensitized towards gender equality. Students from various educational institutions presented theme-based cultural performances highlighting the importance of gender equality and women’s rights, which received appreciation from the audience.
An amount of Rs 52.40 lakh was disbursed to 201 children under Mission Vatsalya. Later, the chief guest felicitated girl students who excelled in the field of sports with bicycles and also distributed sewing machines among beneficiaries to promote self-reliance and skill development among women. The DC also felicitated women achievers from different fields and departments.