Cultural Academy, Leh in collaboration with Ladakh Women’s Alliance, Women wings of LBA, Anjuman Imamia, Anjuman Moin ul Islam and Christian Association, Leh celebrated International Women’s Day, themed, ‘Role of Women in Preserving Ladakhi Culture’ at Imamia complex, Leh on March 8.
 
The women's ice hockey team was felicitated for their excellent performance at the national level tournament in Kaza, Himachal Pradesh.
 
Addressing the women, chief guest of the occasion, Nilza Angmo, Dy. SP, Leh said, “Generally we say that women in Ladakh have no problems since there is no issue like dowry, infanticides and women trafficking in Ladakh. But there are many other problems which we fail to highlight. Silent ailments like cancer are more dangerous than general diseases. Similarly invisible problems are more dangerous than visible ones. By gathering on such platforms we can identify these hideout problems. If we look into history, it seems women were not so empowered. For instance, women did lack higher positions in monastic education. Today there is neither roads after the name of women nor statues of women in Ladakh which poses a question on the gender equality in Ladakh”.
 
“Gathering all religious women's bodies on one platform is itself a huge step, and in the future, we need to bring manifestoes like a political party to solve the issues within a time frame. Women need equality from Home to Hill Council”, she added.
 
Tsewang Paljor, Deputy Secretary, Cultural Academy, Leh said, “Though the international theme of the day is ‘Break The Bias’ I insisted organisers give us permission to keep the theme according to us ie “Roles of Women in Preserving Ladakhi Culture” because a cultured society always leads towards harmony and happiness. Through the theme, we have also tried to send a message to the future mothers of Ladakh to continue the traits of our mothers which is full of culture, full of manners, though it may lack formal education, they have all the necessary education to lead a beautiful life”.
 
“Now no young woman of Ladakh will remain deprived of education, but if she could adore the ornaments of culture along with her education, then she will be a moon among stars. But if she lacks the ornaments then I feel whether she will be able to do justice with her position”, he added.
 
Tsering Chondol, President Women’s Alliance, Ayesha Malo, President, Anjuman Moin ul Islam, Women Wing and Thinles Angmo, President LBA, Women Wing also spoke on the occasion.