UN Grants ECOSOC Status to HemAth, Boosting Global Voice for Displaced Kashmiri Women

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 11: The United Nations has granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to US-based non-profit HemAth Inc, enabling the organisation to actively engage with UN bodies and advocate globally for displaced and underserved Kashmiri women.

The accreditation marks a major milestone for HemAth, which was founded to empower displaced Kashmiri women through education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, skills development and wellness initiatives while preserving their cultural heritage.

Founder and President Dr. Shakun Malik described the recognition as a significant step from being a grassroots initiative to becoming an internationally recognised civil society organisation contributing to global discussions on women’s empowerment, sustainable development and social inclusion.

“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,” Malik said.

Last month, ECOSOC approved the recommendation of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations to grant HemAth the consultative status.

The status allows HemAth to participate in UN meetings and conferences, submit written statements, make oral presentations, organise side events and collaborate with member states, UN agencies and civil society organisations on issues aligned with its mission.

Named after the Kashmiri word for “strength”, HemAth primarily works with women from the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, many of whom continue to face economic challenges, interrupted education and limited employment opportunities decades after displacement.

Malik, an oncologist and humanitarian, said the organisation was born out of the resilience of displaced women who have preserved their heritage despite adversity. She said HemAth would use its new UN platform to share community experiences, contribute to policy discussions and build partnerships with governments, UN agencies, academic institutions and philanthropic organisations.

The organisation said its work aligns with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by promoting gender equality, education, entrepreneurship, leadership and inclusive development while serving as a bridge between local communities and global institutions.