Srinagar: (Frooq Ganderbali) In connection with International Women’s Day, the  Voice For Peace and Justice today organised a colorful function in Kashmir Valley to mark its celebration.

 The function was presided over by the Chairperson of Voice For Peace and Justice and a renowned Social activist Farooq Ganderbali, While as Bilquees Mir, a water sports sensation and International coach was the Chief Guest on the function.

 JKAS recent qualifier Saima Ahad, Dr. Farkandah Rehman, Dr. Afroza Shah, International Martial Arts Player Arifa Bilal, Social Activist Saba Bhat, Dr. Mir Muskaan un Nisa, Andleeb Bashir, Musrat Qadri, Dr Yasmina Qayoom , Advocate Rabiya Rasool , Calligrapher Andleeb Bashir  ,International Wushu Player Ayeera Chisti , Young Author Shifa Ajaz  besides Women participants from education, Health and Sports were also present on the occasion.

 Saima Ahad, a recent JKAS qualifier, spoke at the event and emphasised the importance of women in building nations. She also described numerous centrally sponsored welfare programmes specifically targeted at helping women become independent, shed light on women's rights, and advised women to take use of these schemes.

 In contrast, Dr. Farkandah Rehman stated in her statement that it is imperative for women to evolve as citizens and possess the courage to take on the challenges that the modern world presents. She added that today, women in Kashmir are equally contributing to every industry, including sports, business, and other fields. She gave credit to the Voice for Peace and Justice for being a key factor in the empowerment of Jammu and Kashmir's women.

 Bilquis Mir, the event's chief guest, spoke at the event and said that while once Kashmir's women were confined and bound behind curtains and its girls were only allowed to work in homes, today the girls of Kashmir are rising at national and international forums. Bilquis Mir also shed light on her own journey, noting that after many hardships and struggles, she is now known throughout Jammu and Kashmir and an inspiration to many young women in this region. She also expressed her gratitude to Voice for Peace and Justice for consistently supporting the liberty of women in Jammu and Kashmir.

In his vote of thanks, Farooq Ganderbali, a renowned social activist and member of Voice for Peace and Justice, thanked all the participants who attended the event on short notice and added that radical forces in Kashmir always attempted to repress women, which resulted that deserving and talented girls here were never allowed to demonstrate their abilities. As a result, a generation of girls remained unemployed and were unable to contribute to the nation building .Yet fortunately, our females are becoming more and more successful under the current administration. Ganderbali added. He also congratulated all the proud daughters of Kashmir who recently qualified the civil service examination.

During the function, various speakers while highlighting the significant role played by women in social, economic, political, educational and judicial fronts said that mass awareness about the rights of women and to acknowledge their achievements is the need of the hour.

Meanwhile, a felicitation ceremony was organized to felicitate and honour the female mates who have shown exemplary services in different fields. A good number of Women were given certificates of appreciation along with mementos.

Ajaz Kawoosi, Gen Secretary Voice For Peace and Justice, Zeeshan Farooq Dar, President Utthaan Mission Trust, Shehreyar Dar, President JKYDF, Rabiya Rasheed Social Activist , Dr Misbah Ajaz , Ghulam Nabi Dar, Industrialist, Sofi Samiyaz were the others present on the occasion.