UN grants ECOSOC status to HemAth, boosting Kashmiri women's global voice

Unitednations,UPDATED: Jul 11, 2026 10:14 IST

The United Nations has granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to HemAth Inc, a US-based non-profit that works to empower displaced and underserved Kashmiri women. The status will allow the organisation to engage more directly with the UN system and raise issues linked to women’s empowerment, social inclusion and sustainable development.

HemAth founder and president Dr Shakun Malik told PTI the recognition marks a major step for the organisation, which began as a grassroots initiative for displaced Kashmiri women. “Receiving Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC is a tremendous honour that recognises the strength of community-led solutions and gives us a global platform to advocate for women whose voices are often unheard,” said Malik, who is based in the US.

Last month, ECOSOC adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations to grant HemAth the status. ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the UN and focuses on the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. According to the UN, consultative status allows an organisation to engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, the Human Rights Council and, under specific conditions, some meetings of the General Assembly, other intergovernmental bodies and the UN Secretariat.

With the new status, HemAth will be able to take part in relevant meetings and conferences, submit written statements, make oral presentations where appropriate, organise side events, and work with member states, UN bodies and other civil society groups on issues connected to its mission. Malik described the UN recognition as a “distinguished recognition” and said it marks HemAth’s journey from a local initiative to an internationally recognised civil society organisation contributing to global discussions on women’s empowerment, sustainable development and social inclusion.

HemAth, named after the Kashmiri word for “strength”, was set up to support displaced Kashmiri women by preserving their cultural heritage and creating pathways for economic independence. Through mentorship, skills training, entrepreneurship, education and wellness initiatives, it aims to restore dignity, opportunity and hope to women affected by displacement and hardship. Malik, a member of the Kashmiri Pandit community, said founding HemAth has been a “deeply personal journey” inspired by women who have endured displacement and hardship but continue to preserve their heritage while working towards a better future.

She said the organisation focuses particularly on women from the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, many of whom still face economic hardship, interrupted education and limited employment opportunities decades after displacement. HemAth has developed what Malik described as an integrated model of empowerment covering the social, economic, educational and emotional dimensions of women’s development. Through its initiatives, women gain practical skills, greater confidence, financial independence and leadership opportunities while also strengthening their communities and preserving cultural identity.

Malik said HemAth plans to engage actively with the UN by sharing evidence-based community experiences, taking part in policy discussions, working with international partners and promoting approaches that empower women and strengthen communities. The organisation also wants to build partnerships with governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, philanthropic organisations and global civil society to expand programmes on gender equality, education, entrepreneurship and inclusive development. She said HemAth’s work supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by linking economic opportunity with education, wellness, leadership and cultural preservation.

“This recognition is not simply about HemAth,” Malik said. “It represents the resilience of every woman who refused to let displacement define her future. Their courage and determination inspire our work every day. We are honoured to help bring their experiences, ideas, and aspirations into international conversations that shape a more equitable world.” As it enters this new phase, HemAth plans to keep expanding educational opportunities, strengthening economic resilience, preserving cultural heritage and building leadership among women and girls. Malik said the ECOSOC status positions the organisation as a “bridge” between local communities and global institutions so that the lived experiences of displaced and underserved women can help shape policies and partnerships that leave no one behind.

With PTI Inputs

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