The National Commission for Women (NCW) is organising the fourth edition of its flagship consultation programme “Shakti Samvaad” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on May 16-17, bringing together state women commissions nationwide to deliberate on women’s rights, safety, empowerment and institutional coordination.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, the commission said the two-day consultation aims to strengthen cooperation between the NCW and state women commissions, and promote coordinated efforts for women’s welfare, grievance redressal and legal awareness.
The inaugural session will be addressed by Union minister Jitendra Singh, while NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will also address the gathering.
Senior government officials, legal experts, law enforcement representatives, policymakers and members of state women commissions are participating in the event, the commission said.
The consultation will include discussions on themes such as state progress snapshots, review of state laws from women’s rights perspective, recent Supreme Court and high court judgments concerning women, legal and institutional responses to stalking, and safeguards for women under the new labour codes.
“The discussions aim to strengthen policy coordination, improve grievance redressal mechanisms, promote legal awareness, and ensure effective implementation of women-centric laws and welfare measures,” the NCW said.
“Shakti Samvaad” is a flagship consultation initiative of the NCW aimed at fostering close coordination and continuous engagement between NCW and state women commissions.
The commission said this consultation in Srinagar aims at reinforcing NCW’s commitment to collaborative policymaking and strengthening institutions for women’s welfare across states.
It also reflects the growing participation of institutions and stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and coordinated governance in advancing women’s rights and access to justice, the statement said.
The consultation will conclude with a valedictory session outlining key recommendations and a roadmap for continued cooperation between the NCW and state women commissions, the statement added.
As part of her visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Rahatkar will also participate in a series of programmes on May 19, including a gender sensitisation and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act) awareness programme titled “Campus Calling” at Sher-e-Kashmir University, Kashmir; a ‘Jan Sunwai’ for grievance redressal, meetings with senior administrative officials, and the “Lal Ded National Award” ceremony, it said. (Agencies)
