Srinagar, June 07: Soroptimist International-Kashmir (SI) organises one day awareness programme on “Cultivating a Sustainable Mindset among Young Women”. This special event was held in continuous celebration of World Environment Day on Wednesday, at Govt. Degree College in Ganderbal.

The daylong awareness programme was designed to empower and inspire young women to adopt sustainable practices and contribute actively to the preservation of our environment.

Recognizing the pivotal role that women play in shaping a sustainable future, the event featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including experts on sustainability, environmental activists, and educators, who shared their valuable insights and experiences with the participants.

Attendees were engaged in interactive sessions and thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics.

Prof. Fouziya Fatima Principal, GDC, stressed making sustainable living a second nature to all human beings irrespective of gender or educational qualifications.

She also underscored the need to include sustainability in our food systems by reviving recipes and dishes that our ancestors would eat.

Prof Parveen Pandit, President of SI welcomed the guests and stressed bringing a more feminist perspective to making development genuinely sustainable and inclusive.

Ms. Shaheena Parveen, engaged the young girls and spoke about environmental anxiety caused by the degrading environment.

She also emphasized positive environmental actions and encouraged students to think about small changes they can make towards a sustainable lifestyle.

Member secretaries, Dr Mir Insha Farooq & Dr Asma Bashir and Dr Rizwana Rafiq (Treasurer) and GDC Faculty members were present on the occasion.

Insha Mir, founder EcoKash introduced the concept of ecopreneurship and fast fashion. Ecokash, Kashmir’s first sustainable handicraft brand, focuses on the use of natural fabric and dyes, and Insha advocated the use of sustainable fabric in our everyday life.

Bilkees, President-Elect, of SI presented the presidential address wherein she stressed taking care of the surroundings around them particularly focusing on cleaning, segregating and proper dumping of the wastes.

 Overall, a case for making conscious choices in food, fashion and life, in general, was deemed essential to begin the process of sustainability in everyday life.