The Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, Mission Shakti, in collaboration with the women’s wings of various religious organizations, celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 on March 8 at Lotsawa Auditorium Hall, Cultural Academy Leh. This year’s theme, "Women's Health and Well-being," highlighted the importance of holistic development and empowerment of women in Ladakh.

The program commenced with Chief Guest, First Lady Neelam Mishra, flagging off the Pink Patrol for Women by Ladakh Police from the Cultural Academy office complex.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including SSP Leh, Shruti Arora; Director, Social and Tribal Welfare,Tashi Dolma; President, Ladakh Buddhist Association Women Wing, Kunzes Dolma; President, Anjuman-e-Imamia women wing, Nasreen Maryam; President, Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam women wing, Aisha Malo and Christian Association.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Neelam Mishra emphasized the crucial role of women in society, education, and hygiene. She appreciated government schemes for women’s empowerment and reiterated the vision of making Ladakh a zero-waste region by promoting sustainable solutions. She also spoke about the installation of sanitary pad vending machines at various locations to ensure easy access to eco-friendly and affordable menstrual products.

Earlier, Director, Social and Tribal Welfare Society,  UT Ladakh, Tashi Dolma welcomed the guests and emphasized the significance of the day. She highlighted Ladakh's progressive stance on women's rights, noting the region's absence of female infanticides and dowry systems. She praised the women of Ladakh for their achievements in various fields and acknowledged the department's role in empowering women through various schemes.

The program also featured a movie screening on Trial Saffron Cultivation, initiated by Neelam Mishra with the aim of empowering women economically. It was followed by a skit, presented, by the University of Ladakh students on the menace of drugs and substance abuse. 

 A panel discussion on women's health, mental health, motherhood, sanitation, hygiene and other social issues were also discussed.

The Women Achievers from different fields of social entrepreneurship, sports, education, etc from both Leh and Kargil district were felicitated on the occasion, recognising their excellence and contribution towards the society and its upliftment.

Similarly, stalls displaying the different schemes implemented by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department were also installed for awareness and dissemination of information.

Other dignitaries such as District Awardee and social activist, Abi Chocho Yangchen Dolma; famous differently abled singer, Thukjey Dolma and CDPOs of ICDS Projects; Anganwadi workers; police personnels and officials and staff of the department were also present on the occasion.