Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK),(Parliament Times):
Addressing a Kashmir conference, speakers voiced deep concern over the honour, dignity, and fundamental rights of Kashmiri women who continue to endure the hardships of life under Indian illegal occupation, it was officially said.
The grand event was hosted on Monday by Institute of Multitrack Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies (IDDDs) to mark the International Women’s Day in collaboration with Women’s University, an official Spokesman of the IMDD&DS later told our Special Jammu Kashmir state Correspondent Altaf Hamid Rao here on Monday.
The gathering brought together scholars, students, and civil society representatives to reflect upon the condition of women living under prolonged conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the conference, speakers voiced deep concern over the honour, dignity, and fundamental rights of Kashmiri women who continue to endure the hardships of life under Indian occupation. They highlighted that for decades the women of Kashmir have carried the heaviest burden of the conflict—bearing the grief of lost family members, living with uncertainty, and facing social and psychological trauma in one of the most militarized regions of the world.
The speakers emphasized that despite these adversities, Kashmiri women remain symbols of courage and resilience, sustaining their families and communities while preserving the spirit of dignity and resistance. Their stories, the participants noted, must not remain confined within the valley but should reach the conscience of the global community.
At the conclusion of the conference, the participants unanimously adopted a declaration expressing solidarity with the women of Kashmir and calling upon national and international forums to recognize their suffering and support their quest for justice, dignity, and lasting peace. The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistani women, scholars, and civil society to continue raising the voice of Kashmiri women through academic discourse, media engagement, and international advocacy.Declaration of Solidarity with the Women of Kashmir
(Adopted Unanimously on International Women’s Day)
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the participants at the Women’s University Rawalpindi reaffirm their commitment to stand with the women of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir who continue to face grave human rights violations under prolonged militarization of the India. Recognizing Kashmiris resilience and dignity, the following eight-point declaration is adopted to raise their voice nationally and internationally.
1. National Awareness Through Women-Led Writing
Women scholars, journalists, and students of Pakistan will actively write newspaper columns, opinion pieces, and research articles highlighting the plight, resilience, and human rights struggles of Kashmiri women, ensuring the issue remains visible in national discourse.
2. Global Social Media Advocacy
Launch coordinated social media campaigns led by Pakistani women using international platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) with unified hashtags such as #KashmirWomenDemandJustice and #StandWithKashmirWomen, amplifying testimonies and stories globally.
3. Academic and Policy Dialogue
Women universities and research institutions across Pakistan will organize seminars, conferences, and academic dialogues to document the experiences of Kashmiri women and present evidence-based policy recommendations to the international community.
4. International Legal and Human Rights Advocacy
Pakistani women lawyers, academics, and civil society activists will advocate for raising the issue in international forums such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, calling for independent investigations into human rights violations against Kashmiri women.
5. Cultural and Literary Resistance
Encourage poets, writers, filmmakers, and artists to produce literature, documentaries, and creative works reflecting the courage and suffering of Kashmiri women, transforming cultural expression into a voice of resistance and solidarity.
6. Youth and Student Solidarity Networks
Women students across Pakistan will establish inter-university solidarity forums to connect with Kashmiri students, organize awareness events, and build a sustained youth movement advocating for justice and dignity for Kashmiri women.
7. Engagement with International Women’s Movements
Pakistani women activists will build alliances with global feminist and human rights organizations, ensuring that the voices of Kashmiri women are included in international gender justice conversations.
8. Annual Women’s Solidarity Campaign
Every year on International Women’s Day, Pakistani women’s organizations will dedicate campaigns, conferences, and public statements specifically highlighting the rights, dignity, and freedom of Kashmiri women, keeping their struggle alive in global consciousness.