The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd), virtually participated in the International Women’s Day celebration, organized by the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and Women’s Wings of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman-e-Imamia, and Anjuman Moin-ul Islam, at the Leh Main Market.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his wishes to all including women achievers,emphasizing the significance of  International Women’s Day for society and  women's empowerment. He shared that during his school days before India’s independence, there were hardly a few girls in the school and absence of separate toilet facilities for the girls. He highlighted the ongoing significance of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' slogan and stressed the need for equal education and status for women to prevent societal stagnation.

He mentioned the introduction of the women’s reservation bill which proposes 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and states assemblies and union territories. He also mentioned that centuries ago, women were respected, but later, social issues like the dowry system and child marriage emerged. He added that society gradually eliminated these problems as people realized the need to eradicate them.

Addressing concerns about women's safety, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the administration's responsibility to ensure adequate facilities and mechanisms to prevent incidents like those in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. He stressed the collective responsibility of society in preventing crimes against women. He highlighted initiatives such as health screenings and exhibitions of products by female artisans during the International Women’s Day celebrations.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the sacrifices made by mothers for their children and the way to pay back to them for their sacrifices by empowering and taking our daughters and granddaughters forward. He stated that our society will develop only when the women section is empowered.

The LG launched Ladakh Citizens Help Hub, a portal to register queries and grievances regarding the 20+ welfare schemes of the Social Welfare Department related to pensions, scholarships, child care institutions, Anganwadi centres, etc. A film on the portal was also screened on the occasion.

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson congratulated everyone on  International Women’s Day. He highlighted women’s role in the grassroots democratic set-ups with good representations in PRIs and Local Bodies in Ladakh. He added that the current government under the able leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the historic women’s reservation bill was passed in the parliament exhibiting the union government's commitment towards the social and economic empowerment of women. Advocate Tashi Gyalson further added that he would introduce a similar resolution on the reservation of seats for women in the upcoming General Council meet of the LAHDC Leh, emphasizing the importance of adequate political space for women in the Hill Council.

Earlier, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, Padma Angmo, welcomed the guests and highlighted various initiatives taken by the department to strengthen and empower women in Ladakh.

Five outstanding women outliers from Ladakh along with ICDS Project Kargil for 100% target achievement under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) were felicitated on the occasion.

There was also a panel discussion on ‘Representation of Women in Politics in Ladakh with a focus on Women Reservation Bill 2023.’

There were performances by the Ladakh Police band, female artists of Ladakh and Anganwadi workers. Women achievers also shared their journey with the audience.
ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; Commissioner/Secretary, Smt Padma Ango, IIS; Commissioner/Secretary, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, IRS; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS; Director, Social Welfare Department, Tashi Dolma, JKAS; HODs, government officials, women achievers and head of women’s wing of different religious organizations were present during the celebrations.