Leh, November 25, 2025: A month-long National Campaign for Gender Equality was launched today in Leh, with officials and representatives from various organisations calling for stronger action to ensure safety, dignity, and equal opportunities for all genders. The campaign, part of the nationwide Nayi Chetna 4.0 initiative, will run from November 25 to December 23.
The inaugural programme, held at the DC Office Conference Hall in the presence of ADC Leh Ghulam Mohammad (JKAS), opened with a welcome address by District Programme Manager LRLM, Asiya Tabaisum. She introduced the theme of this year’s campaign—“Women Leading the Way: Economic Empowerment for Inclusive Growth towards a Viksit Grameen Bharat”—and said the initiative seeks to build a people-led movement against gender discrimination through sustained community engagement.
District Mission Manager Wasem Aleram led participants in taking a pledge on gender equality, followed by the screening of a short video highlighting women’s contributions to economic progress.
Speaking at the event, Tsering Nordon stressed that domestic violence continues to be a major obstacle to women’s empowerment. She highlighted that many women, particularly housewives and dependent individuals, hesitate to speak up due to fear, social stigma, and the absence of support mechanisms. She said new support centres are being set up to provide counselling, legal aid, and guidance to single mothers and women facing abandonment.
During an interaction with officers, ADC Leh Ghulam Mohammad sought details on common forms of violence reported in the district and the existing response mechanisms. Expressing concern over the rising number of cases—including 123 incidents of domestic violence, abandonment, and forced compromises—he underlined the need to strengthen support systems, especially the lone Violence Response Unit (VRU) functioning in the district.
The need for greater self-organisation among women and community-led awareness was widely emphasised.
Representing the judiciary, Tsering Angchok from District Court Leh briefed participants on legal protections available to women, including free legal representation under the LADC in cases involving domestic violence and victim compensation. He also explained provisions under the PLB and other safeguards meant to protect both men and women.
The event concluded with a collective call to intensify awareness, bolster institutional support, and work towards building a society rooted in equality, dignity, and safety.
