27/09/2023
*Gandhi Jayanti Celebration - District Administration in collaboration with JKSWM kickstarts Project - WASH in Bandipora.*
*JKSWM's WASH Programme Empowers Women in Bandipora for a Healthier Tomorrow.*
*Collaboration with District Authorities and WAHF brings a new hope for healthier tomorrow.*
Bandipora, September 27: In a poignant tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, District Administration Bandipora in collaboration with JKSWM has launched a significant project "WASH (WOMEN AND SANITARY HYGIENE)" aimed at empowering women and fostering impeccable sanitary hygiene practices throughout the district. This initiative is a fitting commemoration of Gandhi Ji's steadfast commitment to women's empowerment and his profound respect for "Nari Shakti" (women power).
An official said that in a first of its kind and uninque initiative to promote Women And Sanitary Hygiene (WASH) in Bandipora, District Administration Bandipora and Jammu & Kashmir Students Welfare Mission (JKSWM), a non-profit organization, has embarked on a transformative journey. The organisation in collaboration with District Administration Bandipora recently launched its WASH (Women And Sanitary Hygiene) Programme in Bandipora, drawing widespread acclaim from all quarters. The initiative, supported by the We Are Human Foundation (WAHF), New Delhi, seeks to empower women and promote sanitation.
The WASH programme was kickstarted under the able leadership of Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed, IAS, coordinated by District Programme Officer, POSHAN, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, JKAS and under noble supervision of District Social Welfare Officer Bandipora, Mr Hidayatullah Mir JKAS and is making a significant impact on women's health and hygiene.
The programme, supported by the We Are Human Foundation (WAHF) of New Delhi, has simultaneously conducted various Sanitary Kit Distribution cm Hygiene Awareness Camps at various prominent locations in the district, including New District Hospital Bandipora, Gynecology Department, DH Bandipora, and Girls Higher Secondary School Bandipora. Additionally, it has reached out to various women self-help groups, ICDS centres in Arin, Aloosa, Bagh, Chewa, Vijpara Hajin,Kudara, Chuntimullah, Mukdamyari Hajin, Goshbugh, Sumbal and more areas of the District.
Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the District Administration Bandipora, Department of Social Welfare Bandipora, ICDS Bandipora, SAKHI One Stop Centre Bandipora, and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Bandipora, has been instrumental in the programme's success. The programme was facilitated on ground by a leading women driven centre - SAKHI - One Stop Centre, Bandipora under the aegis of J K Students Welfare Mission.
Nodal Officer, Coordinations, District Administration/District Programme Officer, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, JKAS, highlighted the program's objectives, stating that WASH aims to provide essential sanitary support to women and girls, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.
Joint Director Planning, Bandipora, Mr Imtiyaz Ahmad while expressing satisfaction and appreciations said "JKSWM's commitment to women's health and hygiene, coupled with robust collaboration, showcases the positive change that can be achieved through collective efforts, leaving an indelible mark on the community's well-being. As the programme continues to expand its reach, it promises a brighter and healthier future for women in Bandipora".
Speaking at the launch event, District Social Welfare Officer, Bandipora, Mr Hidayatullah Mir JKAS, emphasized the District Administration's unwavering commitment to women's welfare and the realization of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. He stated, "Gandhi Ji recognized the power of women in shaping our society. The WASH program is not just about sanitation; it's about empowering our women and recognizing their essential role in nation-building." Mr. Hidayatullah expressed his appreciation for JKSWM's efforts to empower women in the region and for their focus on the most sensitive issue pertaining to women that's women's hygiene. He instructed the concerned to reach the inaccessible far-flung areas also for wider aspects and matters of the said programme.
Shri Vineet Kumar, President, WAHF, New Delhi, extended his gratitude to JKSWM and District Administration Bandipora for successfully distributing 10000 sanitary kits among needy women and adolescent girls. The ambitious goal of Project WASH is to distribute more WASH Kits by the end of the year.
Miss Zubaida Jabeen, Chairperson of JKSWM, expressed her sincere thanks to the sponsor agency WAHF, led by Shri Vineet Kumar, President of WAHF, and commended the collaborative efforts of District Administration Bandipora, Department of Social Welfare Bandipora, ICDS POSHAN Bandipora, Administration of District Hospital Bandipora, District Hub for Empowerment of Women DHEW Bandipora and SAKHI One Stop Centre Bandipora for making the program a resounding success.
Project Incharge WASH, Miss Afshana Haasan while speaking to the media said that this noble initiative wouldn't have been possible without the collaborative efforts of District Administration Bandipora, Department of Social Welfare Bandipora, ICDS, Bandipora, We Are Human Foundation, New Delhi, SAKHI One Stop Centre Bandipora, and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Bandipora.
"The WASH Programme by JKSWM has received widespread acclaim from stakeholders, including district and hospital administrations, and the local community, especially women, who stand to benefit significantly from this transformative initiative" Miss Ishrat Ayoub, Centre Administrator, SAKHI OSC Bandipora, added while expressing gratitude to all these line departments.
The program has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community, with many expressing gratitude for the much-needed focus on women's health and hygiene. Residents believe that this initiative aligns perfectly with Gandhi Ji's principles of non-violence, equality, and respect for all and JKSWM has launched the same in commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's Nari SHAKTI and equality aspects.
Pertinently, JKSWM, a non-profit organization, orchestrated a programme that was not only highly appreciated by the district and hospital administration but also by the women it aimed to empower. The resounding success of this initiative highlights the positive impact that collaborative efforts can have on the community, especially when it concerns the well-being of women. The JKSWM's commitment to making a difference serves as an inspirational example for all. It would be great to mention that JKSWM is the implementing agency for SAKHI - One Stop Centre Bandipora, an initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India and the said centre under the aegis of JKSWM has been recognised and awarded as the Best Performing OSC's at UT level by Government of Jammu and Kashmir and is ranked among one of best OSC's in pan India.
We Are Human Foundation JKSWM Bandipora Sakhi - One Stop Centre Bandipora
