Valley woman wins award for promoting gender equality

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 27

A 30-year-old woman from Kashmir has been awarded in recognition of her work towards highlighting women empowerment issues and implementing gender sensitivity in the workplace. The Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment has been awarded to Nadiya Saifi from Jammu and Kashmir to recognise her exceptional work in the area.

A Srinagar resident, Nadiya is a video reporter, associated with the Kashmir unheard project. Associated with the project since 2014 after completing her masters in social work from the University of Kashmir, Nadiya has been defying patriarchal norms in a society where domestic and sexual violence are more of a norm than an exception.

Learning that she had won the award, Nadiya said, “It is indeed an honour to receive the Martha Farrell Award. The Valley is a beautiful place but the women here have never been able to appreciate this beauty due to the turmoil within from generations of unfortunate subjugation. And I have only just scratched the surface in making people aware about the importance of being equal. This award will only make my resolve stronger to work towards this cause with even more conviction.”

Nadiya has been leading gender discussion clubs in her hometown. The club comprises students, housewives, labourers, artisans, farmers, and residents of Kashmir. Nadiya engages them in discussions about sexuality, patriarchy and gender inequality. She is currently in the process of expanding these clubs to the Shopian and Pulwama districts of south Kashmir, which are some of the most disturbed areas. A total of 82 nominations, which were carefully reviewed for merit by an eight-member jury.