International women’s day observed with great enthusiasm at Shenam community hall Leh on 8 March. The day was organized in joint collaboration of Women’s Wing of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman Imamia Leh, Anjuman moin-ul-Islam and Christian Community.

The theme of international women’s day 2016 is Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality. The main motive to celebrate this day is to make people aware of the rights and justice of women in every fields, eliminate all forms of violence against women and harmful practices, to respect the women in society so that the crime related to women can be reduced and to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere.

Padmashree awardee Dr. Tsering Lhandol was the chief guest of the occasion, Konchok Angmo, principal of DIET, Advocate Eshey Lamo, Presidents of women wing; many other guests were present on the occasion.

Tsewang Dolma, President LBA women wing said that Ladakhi women are fortunate as they do not have to face many problems as compared to other parts of the world. She urged all the women to work on the eradication of alcohol and drugs in the society. 

Dr Lhandol stressing women as an important part of the society said that women have the capability to shape a home, bringing up their children’s future and also shapes the world. In relation to the less participation of women in politics, she stressed on the need of all women to be united and encourage and motivated each other to get on the platform of politics. 

She further urged Konchok Angmo principal of DIET, to train the teacher to uplift the specially abled children and to encourage and motivate those children and their skills. 

"The family and society should not discriminate between a boy and a girl and should be treated equally. We should focus on imparting moral values and understanding so that they grew up as a good human being. Once it implemented, then hopefully we don’t have to celebrate any special day for the women in future,” added Dr Lhandol. 

Tsering Dolkar and Hajira Bano presented a presentation on Ladakhi women who have excelled in different fields. The day was made more entertaining and colourful by the performances of different talented singers and Police band. 

Different speakers expressed their different views regarding women, their problems, rights, and justice.