Women stepping into roles once inaccessible: Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo addressed the three-day national workshop on “Leadership programme for women managers in higher education: challenges, opportunities and strategies” at University of Kashmir.

The workshop is being organised by the varsity’s Centre for Women’s Studies and Research (CWSR) in collaboration with the Institute of Home Science, KU.

In her inaugural address, Sakeena Itoo, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that institutions must work collectively to ensure that women feel respected and supported.

“Women are stepping into roles that were once inaccessible but their growth depends on environments where they feel safe, heard and valued,” she stated.

She added that women must be recognised for their talent and work and encouraged to take on leadership responsibilities with confidence.

Itoo further highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of higher education and emphasised the need to create institutional environments where women leaders can thrive. She noted that expanding women’s participation in academic governance is not only a matter of equity but also a prerequisite for strengthening the nation’s intellectual and administrative capacity.

Commending the University of Kashmir for organising the workshop, Itoo said such platforms enable meaningful dialogue on structural barriers faced by women in academia, besides offering practical pathways for capacity building, mentorship and policy innovation. She encouraged participants, drawn from universities and colleges across the country, to use the workshop as an opportunity to collaborate, share experiences and develop actionable leadership strategies.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive policies in education, including enhanced leadership training, professional development schemes and institutional support systems for women faculty and administrators.

Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof Nilofer Khan, in her address, said the University has been working steadily to strengthen gender-sensitive academic practices and leadership pathways.

“Our aim is to create systems where women academics and administrators can participate fully in decision-making and lead without barriers,” she said.