UNITED NATIONS: A US-based non-profit organisation working to empower displaced and underserved Kashmiri women has been granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), enabling it to participate in UN policy discussions and advocacy initiatives.
HemAth Inc, founded by US-based oncologist Dr. Shakun Malik, received the accreditation after ECOSOC adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) last month.
According to the United Nations, organisations with Special Consultative Status can participate in relevant UN meetings and conferences, submit written statements, make oral presentations where appropriate, organise side events and collaborate with member states, UN bodies and civil society organisations.
Malik described the recognition as a milestone for the organisation, saying it would provide a global platform to advocate for women whose voices are often unheard.
Named after the Kashmiri word for “strength”, HemAth was established to support displaced Kashmiri women through mentorship, skills training, entrepreneurship, education and wellness initiatives aimed at promoting economic independence and preserving cultural heritage.
A member of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, Malik said the organisation was inspired by the resilience of women affected by displacement and sought to strengthen their educational, economic and leadership opportunities.
She said HemAth plans to engage with the United Nations by contributing community-based experiences to policy discussions, collaborating with international partners and expanding programmes focused on gender equality, education, entrepreneurship and inclusive development.
According to the organisation, its initiatives support the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by combining grassroots interventions with global advocacy to improve opportunities for displaced and marginalised women.
