News Kashmir Weekly hosted a grand event on March 13, 2025, at Hotel Downtown, Little Persia Srinagar, to commemorate World Women’s Day and Women’s Month. The event was made possible by Jammu and Kashmir Bank, the exclusive banking sponsor, and Fortis Hospital Mohali.
Rameez Makhdoomi, Content Editor of News Kashmir, and Farzana Mumtaz, Editor-in-Chief of News Kashmir, moderated the event. The theme “Accelerating Action for Gender Parity” was discussed at length by participants, who spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Well known Advocate Sana Khan ensured smooth deliberations of the entire programme.
Renowned personalities from various fields attended the event, including Dr. GN Qasba, former SMC Commissioner and eminent social personality; Professor Shabnam Ara, National Award winner and Dean of Students’ Welfare at Cluster University; Bilquis Mir, world-famous water sports athlete; and Anbreena Anjum, Executive Engineer at Water Works Jal Shakti Division, Srinagar. Mantasha Binti Rashid, Deputy Director Rural Sanitation, were present as a guest of honor.
Other notable attendees included Saika Rashid, Engineer and well-known Calligraphy artist; Zehra Shafi, renowned Journalist working with PTI; Munazah Kanwal, Eminent Journalist; Mir Sabeen Gulrez, Budding Journalist; Sabhat Mir, eminent social rights personality; Ambreen Nawaz, prominent Entrepreneur; Ishrat Tanki, well-known educationist; and Eliza Izhar, educationist shared their vibrant thoughts.
Bilal Bashir Bhat, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Srinagar Jang; Rizwan Geelani, prominent Journalist working with Greater Kashmir; Imran Naiku, well-known journalist working with Gulistan News; Khursheed Qureshi, Veteran Journalist; Imran Ali, healthcare professional; Badrunissa Bhat, well-known research scholar and Sufi artist; and Advocate Sharif, well-known lawyer, also participated in the event and shared their thoughts.
All the participants were felicitated for their contributions towards women’s empowerment.
Academic Expert Sheikh Sameer and eminent oncologist Dr. Shabnam Bashir also shared their valuable insight.
Territory Head J&K, Policy Advocacy Research Centre (PARC), Ruchita Rane, also attended the event and shared her expertise.
The event concluded with a vibrant discussion on women’s rights and ensuring safe working environments. A gender-just Jammu and Kashmir was resolved upon unanimously by all participants.
