HemAth Inc., a US-based non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering displaced and underserved Kashmiri women, has been granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation, enabling it to actively engage with the United Nations and advocate for women affected by displacement and social challenges on a global platform.
The Special Consultative Status allows HemAth to participate in ECOSOC meetings, contribute to policy discussions, submit written statements, make oral presentations, organise side events and collaborate with UN agencies, member states and civil society organisations on issues related to women’s empowerment, sustainable development and social inclusion.
Founded by Dr. Shakun Malik, an eminent oncologist, humanitarian and member of the Kashmiri Pandit community, HemAth was established to support displaced Kashmiri women by preserving their cultural heritage while creating opportunities for economic independence. The organisation works through mentorship programmes, skill development, entrepreneurship support, education and wellness initiatives to help women rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
Reacting to the UN recognition, Dr. Malik described the accreditation as a major achievement for the organisation.
“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,” she said.
According to the United Nations, organisations granted consultative status can engage directly with ECOSOC, the Human Rights Council and, under specific conditions, various UN bodies and the General Assembly. This enables NGOs to contribute their expertise to international policymaking and sustainable development initiatives.
HemAth’s accreditation follows the recommendation of the UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which was formally adopted by ECOSOC last month.
Dr. Malik said the organisation plans to actively utilise its new status by sharing evidence-based community experiences, participating in global policy dialogues, building partnerships with international organisations and promoting innovative approaches that empower women and strengthen vulnerable communities.
Named after the Kashmiri word for “strength,” HemAth continues to focus on restoring hope, preserving cultural identity and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for displaced Kashmiri women through community-driven initiatives.
The UN accreditation is expected to significantly enhance the organisation’s global outreach while amplifying the voices of women whose experiences often remain underrepresented in international discussions.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, unintentional errors or omissions may occur. Readers are encouraged to verify important information through official sources.
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