Srinagar, July 7: In a significant initiative aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering young girls through sports, the Social Welfare Department-SANKALP-HEW, Srinagar organised an awareness and interactive session on the theme "Encouraging Sports Participation and Ending Sports Stigma Among Girls in Schools."

The programme conducted at GGHSS Narwara, Srinagar, students, teachers, and stakeholders were sensitized
about the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for girls to actively participate in sports and physical activities.
The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, educators, and officials of SANKALP-HEW Srinagar, reflecting a shared commitment towards fostering equal opportunities for girls in education and sports.
A Resource Person from the District Youth Services and Sports Department, Srinagar, highlighted the transformative role of sports in the holistic development of young girls, emphasizing that participation in sports not only enhances physical fitness but also builds confidence, leadership qualities, discipline, resilience, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
The resource person stressed the need to collectively challenge and eliminate such stigmas by creating safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments where girls can participate freely in sports without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Schools, parents, teachers, and the community were urged to work together to motivate girls to pursue sports as an essential component of education and personal development.
The Department reaffirmed its resolve to continue organising such awareness programmes to promote gender-inclusive development and empower girls to realise their full potential through education, sports, and community participation.