Rameez Makdoomi
In a first, the Women Leaders Conclave 2025, organized by Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force and She Leads, has commenced in Srinagar, with the inaugural session held at the Royal Springs Auditorium. Rekha Mody, Founder of Stree Shakti, welcomed inspiring women leaders from across the country. She expressed that women are empowered when they interact with and meet other empowered women.
During the inaugural session, eminent author and Sahitya Academy Award winner Alka Sarogi discussed her novel “Gandhi and Sarla Devi,” highlighting the legendary role of Sarla Devi and the contributions of women in India’s freedom struggle.
The conclave aims to bring together numerous women leaders from various backgrounds, including academics, politics, civil society, and pioneering thought leaders, to promote gender equity and empower women. The event features diverse sessions on women empowerment, providing a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes.
The conclave’s objectives include empowering women, building capacity, increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes, and promoting women’s achievements. By bringing together women leaders and change-makers, the conclave seeks to create a lasting impact and inspire future generations of women leaders.
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, also shared her iconic journey and her role as a leading figure in India’s hospitality sector. She praised Stree Shakti’s efforts in organizing this historic conclave in Kashmir and urged the women of Jammu and Kashmir to excel in every field.
Eminent woman leader Khair Ull Nissa Sheikh anchored the program.
Nuzhat Gull, Sports Secretary of JK, shared how the women of Jammu and Kashmir are achieving remarkable success in sports and provided perspective on the milestones accomplished by Jammu and Kashmir in the past five years.
Dr. Rashmi Singh, an accomplished IAS officer and Commissioner-Secretary of Hospitality and Protocol for the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that creating more spaces for women, coupled with economic independence, is essential for their rapid advancement.
The inaugural session was graced by a galaxy of intellectuals from various fields, including educationists, officials, lawyers, journalists, and activists.
Author
The Kashmir Dialogues
