Q. Please introduce yourself to the readers, briefly tell us about Anjuman Moin ul Islam (Women’s Wing), and share your journey as the president of the organisation.

It has been nearly ten years since the Women’s Wing of Anjuman Moin ul Islam was established. I was initially appointed as the acting president, and later elected to the position. This year, I have been re-elected to continue serving as the president.

The women’s wing primarily focuses on promoting women’s education, health, and overall well-being. I strongly believe that education is the key to success—a woman must be rightly and fully educated so that she can confidently represent herself in any space within society. Without education, it becomes difficult for women to express their views or participate meaningfully on any platform.

One issue we often see is that women, especially mothers, are the last to eat in a household, often prioritizing others over themselves. In some cases, even pregnant or breastfeeding mothers consume the least, compromising their own health and nutrition. I believe this is an unhealthy practice. A mother's well-being is just as important as that of any other family member. If her health suffers, it affects the entire family. That’s why our organization places strong emphasis on raising awareness about maternal health and nutrition, alongside education.

Q. Why is representation and women’s inclusion crucial in politics? Ladakh, in particular, has experienced little to no women representation. However, LAHDC Leh recently passed a resolution for 33% reservation for women in the General Council. Kindly share your views on this.

First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to nominated Councillor Dr. Yangchan for proposing the resolution, and to the Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh for fulfilling his promise and making it a reality. I also thank all the councillors and stakeholders who supported this important step. Women have long been advocating for inclusion and representation in decision-making bodies, and this resolution is a significant achievement.
It’s important to note that Late Rani Parvati Devi was the first—and so far, the only—woman Member of Parliament from Ladakh. Since then, for over 40 years, Ladakh’s political landscape has lacked meaningful female representation. I have met many women who are confident, capable, and fully prepared to succeed in politics—women who are even qualified to represent Ladakh as a Member of Parliament.

Elected women representatives hold more authority than nominated members, which is why this resolution is so crucial. It brings real hope for change and a more inclusive future. I sincerely hope the resolution is implemented at the earliest.

Through this platform, I would like to encourage all women to seize this opportunity—prepare yourselves, come forward, and actively participate in the upcoming elections. Your voice matters, and your leadership is needed.

Q. How does women’s representation help women and organisations, whether political or religious, in society?

It is often said that a society cannot progress on the path of development without the active participation of women. Women play a crucial role in understanding and addressing societal issues, and their presence is essential for any organisation to function effectively. An organisation—whether political, social, or religious—cannot truly thrive without equal representation of women.

The perspectives of men and women differ at various stages of life. Women are often recognised for their ability to think ahead and offer a broader vision compared to men. For a long time, decision-making bodies were dominated solely by men, and this tradition sidelined women's interests. As a result, issues faced by women were often overlooked or not properly acknowledged. A woman’s experiences, needs, and opinions cannot be fully represented through a male perspective alone.

Behind every successful man, there is often a woman who has supported and strengthened his journey. Today, we see women not only supporting but also actively participating and leading in many organisations, contributing significantly to the service and betterment of society.

Q. What role do family members and people around a woman play in helping her smoothly balance her personal life, household, and work outside the home?

A woman working in any organisation—whether in decision-making bodies, social groups, or religious institutions—often finds it challenging to balance her household responsibilities and professional duties without strong support from her family and those around her. Without this support, it can even strain or disrupt family life. Thankfully, over the years, mindsets have evolved, and male family members are increasingly stepping up to share responsibilities, helping women manage both family and work more equally.

It is important for men in the family to understand that when a woman represents an organisation, she is not just representing herself, but an entire gender. While fulfilling her role in society, she also continues to carry out her duties at home—as a mother, sister, or daughter. She often works from dawn to dusk, being the first to rise and the last to rest. Supporting her is essential, not only for her personal well-being but also for the greater benefit of society.

Q. What are the social issues women are victimised by, and what steps has the organisation taken to address these issues?

Although it is often believed that women in Ladakh are empowered and treated equally, I do not see this fully reflected in reality. On the ground, women are still viewed differently and often subjected to discrimination. Societal thinking still has a long way to go because the differences between men and women are not created by God; both have been equally gifted with unique capabilities.

In fact, women endure immense physical and emotional strength—carrying a child for nine months and nurturing a family—yet discrimination against them has somehow taken root and continued as a tradition over time. If this were not the case, we would have seen a far greater number of women represented in politics and leadership roles.

Our organisation works actively to address these deep-rooted issues by raising awareness, conducting educational programs, and encouraging women to step forward and participate in all spheres of society. We emphasise the importance of equal rights, build platforms for women's voices to be heard, and advocate for policy changes that promote gender equality. True empowerment begins when societal attitudes change, and we are committed to being part of that transformation.

Q. Ladakh is known for its religious harmony. What initiatives have been taken to further continue and secure this harmony?

Religious harmony in Ladakh is a peaceful tradition passed down from our ancestors, and it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Ladakh stands as an example for the entire country, showcasing how different communities can coexist with mutual respect and understanding.
All religious organisations in Ladakh actively work together to maintain and strengthen this harmony. It is this spirit of unity that has enabled Ladakh to collectively address its challenges and advocate for its needs.

Religious conflicts have the potential to destroy the very essence of Ladakh—the unique culture and peaceful environment that leave visitors from outside astonished. Many tourists are deeply impressed by the sense of harmony that defines Ladakh today, and we must continue to nurture and protect it through dialogue, collaboration, and shared values.

Q. Can you highlight initiatives taken by the organisation to protect Ladakh’s environment?

If every organisation makes an effort to prevent environmental exploitation, the impact can be truly significant. Anjuman Moin ul Islam (Women’s Wing), in collaboration with Zero Waste, initiated a project to collect fabric scraps from tailoring shops—waste that was previously either burned or dumped at waste yards. We trained women to creatively reuse and transform these fabric scraps into useful products like bags and pouches, promoting both environmental sustainability and women's skill development.

Additionally, our organisation strictly avoids the use of plastic at all our events and gatherings, making a conscious effort to lead by example in promoting eco-friendly practices.

Our efforts were recognised when Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre awarded us for our contributions to securing religious harmony and promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.
 

Message to the readers
"First and foremost, I appeal to everyone to protect our religious harmony and stay united as Ladakhis. Unity is our strength. I also encourage women to prepare themselves to actively engage in politics and take full advantage of the 33% reservation once it is implemented. The future of Ladakh depends on the participation and leadership of its women."