Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 17: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo addressed the three-day National Workshop on “Leadership Programme for Women Managers in Higher Education: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies” at University of Kashmir here today.
The workshop is being organised by the varsity’s Centre for Women’s Studies and Research (CWSR) in collaboration with the Institute of Home Science KU.
In her inaugural address, Minister Sakeena said that institutions must work collectively to ensure that women feel respected and supported.
“Women are stepping into roles that were once inaccessible but their growth depends on environments where they feel safe, heard and valued,” she stated.
She added that women must be recognised for their talent and work and encouraged to take on leadership responsibilities with confidence.
The Minister further highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of higher education and emphasized the need to create institutional environments where women leaders can thrive. She noted that expanding women’s participation in academic governance is not only a matter of equity but also a prerequisite for strengthening the nation’s intellectual and administrative capacity.
Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan in her address said that the University has been working steadily to strengthen gender-sensitive academic practices and leadership pathways.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the importance of building institutional mechanisms that recognise women’s work and leadership potential in higher education.
Prof. Pam Rajput (Prof. Emeritus), Panjab University, noted that strengthening women’s leadership requires both structural support and everyday institutional sensitivity. Dr. Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary, Women’s Studies, UGC, in her keynote address, said that the initiative corresponds with the NEP 2020 which emphasises inclusion, equity and leadership development.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Dr. Roshan Ara, Coordinator, CWSR KU, said that the workshop aims to bring stakeholders together to discuss the current realities and practical strategies for supporting women administrators and faculty.
On the occasion, Minister Sakeena also released first-ever Coffee Table Book 2025 of Kashmir University that showcases the evolution, milestones and growth of the varsity as a leading academic institution in the region and other vital publication Statistical Digest.
Director Colleges, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir; Dean, School of Medicine & Allied Medical Sciences KU and Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan; College principals, senior faculty members from various colleges of J&K, deans of various schools of KU, administrative officers, heads of departments, faculty members, scholars and students, besides 50 participants from various universities across the north-west region of the country were present on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
