‘Address gender pay disparity’

Srinagar, Oct 3: In an inspiring initiative to mark International Equal Pay Day, Soroptimist International (SI) Srinagar Kashmir joined hands with Green Valley Educational Institute to raise awareness about the critical issue of gender pay disparity.

A thought-provoking debate competition centered on the theme “Is the Gender Pay Gap a Myth or a Reality in the Contemporary World?” was held on the school premises, with active participation from students.

The event featured a competition among ten students from Green Valley Educational Institute, who showcased their knowledge and perspectives on the complexities surrounding gender pay inequity. More than seventy students attended as part of the audience, engaging in a lively discourse that explored a wide range of societal, professional, and institutional challenges.

The proceedings began with a warm welcome by Haiyrah, a student volunteer from Class 11 (Humanities), who welcomed the Principal, M. D. Zargar, and the Vice Principal of Green Valley Educational Institute, alongside the esteemed members of Soroptimist International Srinagar Kashmir. This was followed by remarks from Insha Farooq, Member Secretary of SI Srinagar, who expressed her gratitude on behalf of the organization for the opportunity to collaborate with the school. Insha also eloquently presented the vision and mission of Soroptimist International, reiterating the organization’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equity.

The debate competition sparked insightful discussions on critical issues such as societal expectations for women, barriers to promotion, maternity leave challenges, and the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. Students debated the gendered perception of care work, the impact of pay transparency, and the role of legislative measures like the Equal Pay Act. Principal M. D. Zargar commended Soroptimist International for its commitment to raising awareness and urged students to continue empowering themselves through education. He emphasized that education is key to achieving gender equity and overcoming disparities.

In addition to these thought-provoking arguments, quotes like “The sky is not purple but blue” were used to emphasize the need for clear recognition of persistent gender imbalances. The debate highlighted the reality of the gender pay gap, reflecting on the work-life balance struggles faced by women and the stereotypes that contribute to their underrepresentation in higher-paying roles. Nasiya also stressed the significance of this day.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, conducted by Gulafroz. Tehreen secured first place, followed by Ruhaan as the first runner-up and Kafeel as the second runner-up. The winners were recognized for their outstanding arguments and ability to address complex social issues with clarity and insight. This collaborative effort between Soroptimist International Srinagar Kashmir and Green Valley Educational Institute was a significant step toward raising awareness about the gender pay gap and empowering the next generation to advocate for equality.