Seminar on the issues of Ladakhi women-Scoop News
Leh,September 07 (Scoop News)-A one day seminar on the issues and problems of Ladakhi women organized here yesterday by the National Commission for Women and National Commission for Minorities ,Govt. of India. The Chairman, National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Wajahat Habibullah chaired the seminar.
The Chairperson, National Commission for Women, Mamta Sharma, the Member NCM, Tsering Namgyal Shunu, the Secretary, NCM Surjit Chaudheri, CEC, LAHDC, Rigzin Spalbar, Executive Councilor, Tourism Mohd. Shafi Lassu, Deputy Commissioner, Leh Simrandeep Singh, President LBA, Dr. Tondup Tsewang, President Anjuman Immamia, Ashraf Ali, President, Anjuman Mion-ul-Islam Sheikh Saif Uddin, the Councilors of Leh Hill Council, heads and members of various women associations of Leh attended the seminar.
Among those spoke in the seminar on the women related issues in Ladakh included the Chairperson, Leh Mahila Mandal, Sarla Chhewang, Dr. Dolma Tsering of LBA (Women’s Wing), Zara Bano of All Zohra Society, Fatima Bano, Chairperson Ladakh Women Centre, Tadzin Joldan from Christian Community, Smt. Tsering Angmo Councilor and Smt. Rigzin Angmo, Chairperson, Women’s Alliance of Ladakh.
Speaking high about the exemplary gender equality in Ladakhi society, the speakers in one voice said that our society here is egalitarian and there is no discrimination with women in every aspect. The crime against women such as child marriage, dowry, rape, female feticide and gender discrimination which generally seen in other parts of the country are something unheard in Ladakhi society, the speakers quipped with pride. At the same time, the women speakers of Ladakh complained for least opportunity for women in politics. They strongly urged for due reservation seats for women in LAHDC as well as for Sarpanchs keeping in mind equal capabilities among the women.
Making a mention on shocking practice of giving huge dowry by some uncultured families in Leh recently, the speakers said that such ill-practices has been grossly condemned by the whole society and they strongly appealed the entire Ladakhis to denounce it considering the secure future of the girls of poor families.
Mamta Sharma highly impressed that the women in Ladakh are leading a quality life with freedom and dignity in comparison to women in other parts of the country. In her address she praised for having equal status and respect for women in Ladakhi society. However, she stressed the need that women should be aware about their legal rights to counter any challenge and they must get their due share of participation in institutions like Council and Panchayat. Noting the demands of women, Mamta Sharma assured that the Commission would intervene in reaching the benefits to the Ladakhi women out of Govt. of India’s schemes meant for the women. Encouraging the women, she urged for women’s involvement and participation in development and growth rather them speaking mush about problems.
The Chairman, NCM, Wajahat Habibullah in his address said that the women of Ladakh are capable of facing every challenge if they given the opportunities. Appreciating the women stature in Ladakh, Wajahat said that the potential of women should be fully utilized not only for development of the region but for the State and the country as a whole. Ladakh being the minorities concentration region, he urged to avail various scholarship schemes of Govt. of India by the local students and in this respect, he stressed the need for wide dissemination of information about the scholarship schemes among the beneficiaries making flexibility in obtaining income certificates of the parents from revenue department. Responding to the demand for creation of a women battalion in Ladakh under paramilitary force, the Chairman, NCM gave assurance for taking up the case with the GoI.
Earlier, the Member NCM, Tsering Namgyal Shunu in his welcome address said that holding of the seminar with the women of Ladakh was aimed to ascertain their issues and problems and to find out possible solutions at Commission’s level.
Later, a question answer session was also held and the women have raised many issues seeking solutions to the problematic points at both Council and NCM levels. The CEC, Rigzin Spalbar briefing the Council’s initiatives and policies for betterment of women as well as development of Leh district gave answers to them.
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