Srinagar March 08: (KNS)  The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Tuesday said that NC confirms to the proverb "unity in plurality", saying the party gives due preference to women folks in the decision making process at all levels. 

These sentiments were echoed by the Party State Women’s Wing President Shameema Firdous and the Party Provincial President, Women's Wing Kashmir Sabiya Qadri while addressing a function held by the party women's wing here at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, following the observance of international women's day. Among others, the function was attended by the wing's provincial, district and other functionaries from across Kashmir Province. 

The speakers on the occasion highlighted the role of Madre Maharban Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah in the socio-political and economic emancipation of women in Jammu and Kashmir. 

In her address, Shameema Firdous said that higher the percentage of women in decision making processes, the more will they contribute to stronger attention to women's issues. “Women's political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. It facilitates women's direct engagement in public decision-making and is a means of ensuring better accountability to women. NC's Naya Kashmir Manifesto espouses a vision that enumerates numerous ways and measures to achieve this anticipated goal. During our successive governments we have realised much of what was enshrined in the manifesto in terms of free and compulsory education, equal job opportunities, fifty percent reservation in medical colleges and panchayats. There is no scope for complacency. In these changed and crucial circumstances also we have to multiply our efforts and ensure that women get their due position in the society."

In her address Sabiya Qadri said, “Political accountability to women begins with increasing the number of women in decision-making positions, but it cannot stop there.  What is required are gender-sensitive governance reforms that will make all elected officials more effective at promoting gender equality in public policy and ensuring their implementation.”

She further said that the party's women's wing is on the track of creating more impactful women's voices. “Today’s workers are potential leaders which will actively contribute to the political processes and governance at the local and community levels in the future. It is elevating to see our ranks swell by the everyday joining of women from varied sections of society and from all walks of life,” she said. (KNS)