First Intra-Kashmir women's dialogue begins in Srinagar

November 16, 2007

First Intra-Kashmir women's dialogue begins in Srinagar

Srinagar: Over 50 women from both sides of the Line of Control met in Srinagar today at the start of a three-day Intra-Kashmir Women's Conference titled "Connecting Women across the LoC".

The conference has been organised by the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation (CDR) and women's studies centre of Jammu and Kashmir universities.While inaugurating the conference, Dr. Sayeda Hameed, member Planning Commission questioned the lack of gender parity and balance in the region saying the voices of women are not taken into consideration when it comes to discussing the future of Jammu and Kashmir and India and Pakistan.

Sharing the platform with Dr. Hameed were Dr. Naseema Jogezai, women's rights activist from Muzaffarabad and Mrs. Nighat Shafi Pandit, chairperson of HELP foundation, Srinagar. Dr. Jogezai said that crossing the border for the conference was like "a dream come true" for her and the other women. "It is ironic that Muslims and Hindus have so much in common in Kashmir and yet there is conflict", she said and suggested that it was time to focus on the similarities rather than the differences.

Nighat Shafi Pandit spoke of the impact of conflict on women and children. Misery and disaster have trans-territorial dimensions, she said, and these acted as binding factors in terms of social response. "Experience has shown that when women from states of India forged unity on certain social issues, their combined action proved more fruitful and result-oriented than the scepter of law wielded by the State agencies response for maintaining law and order".

Some 14 women activists from other side of LoC are participating in the conference including teachers, lawyers, doctors and social activists.