BREAKING NEWS
Governments should adopt policies to address women's empowerment in Kashmir. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done
On 12th and 13th Jan,2025 National Human Rights and Crime Control Bureau conducted an outreach programme in Jammu university regarding women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was attended by President and Secretary NHRCCB along with various NHRCCB members of JK, UT and Students from various institutions. I had also an opportunity to attend the outreach programme of NHRCCB. During the programme participants raised concern that women empowerment has remained a grey area in the Jammu and Kashmir despite efforts made at various levels by the Government. More or less all participants raised the concern that women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir is a critical component of ensuring gender equality and sustainable development in the region.
Cultural Context of Women’s Role
The participants emphasized unique socio political and cultural dynamics of J&K, coupled with historical challenges which shaped the discourse on women’s rights and empowerment in the outreach programme. Throwing light on role of women, participants evoked Kashmir has produced notable figures like Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, and Ernimaal, who are celebrated for their influence on the region's cultural and communal values. However, there is a lack of strong contemporary female voices, highlighting a societal failure to allow women to engage in gender-inclusive politics. Women should have the opportunity to participate in leadership and development roles.
The involvement of women in decision-making is still not a reality in the valley, although some are starting to take on active career roles. With proper training, these women can challenge and reshape existing structural violence. The ongoing conflict in Kashmir has tested women’s emotional strength, yet they continue to face their struggles with nonviolent determination. Not only have they rebuilt communities ravaged by conflict, but they have also provided emotional support to men affected by the situation. With tactical support, women can become effective leaders and decision-makers in challenging circumstances and serve as peacekeepers and facilitators of interfaith dialogue.
Policy Efforts for Women Empowerment
Governments should adopt policies to address women's empowerment in Kashmir. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done. Collaboration among the Central and state governments, policymakers, and NGOs is essential to ensure the liberation and empowerment of women in Kashmir. The progress in empowering women in J&K is evident in several areas. In education, the literacy rate among women has improved significantly due to various government and non-governmental initiatives. Schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and free education programs in rural areas have played a vital role in promoting girls’ education. Politically, women are increasingly participating in local governance, with reserved seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions providing opportunities for leadership. Increased participation of women in politics, business, administrative services is inspiring more women to take the lead in various spheres of life.
Employment and entrepreneurship have also seen growth, with self-help groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) enabling women to start small businesses. Traditional crafts like Pashmina weaving and tourism offer livelihood opportunities, helping women achieve economic independence. Additionally, with the extension of central laws protecting women's rights, such as the Domestic Violence Act and laws ensuring property inheritance rights are expected to go long way in empowering the women in J&K.
Challenges for Gender equality
Women in J&K still face significant challenges. Socio-cultural barriers like patriarchal norms, early marriages, and restrictions on mobility limit their access to opportunities. Decades of conflict have disproportionately impacted women, leading to displacement, trauma, and social stigma for widows and half-widows. Healthcare access remains a concern, particularly in remote areas, where maternal and reproductive healthcare services are limited, and mental health issues are often unaddressed. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and trafficking, persists despite legal protections, with many cases going unreported due to societal pressures and lack of awareness. Amid these challenges, there are numerous opportunities to empower women further. Enhancing education and skill development through vocational training in modern fields like IT, digital marketing, and sustainable farming can boost employability. Establishing more educational institutions in rural areas will ensure access to quality education for girls. Promoting entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance, micro-loans, and marketing platforms can help women excel in industries like handicrafts, agriculture, and tourism. Encouraging women-led startups will foster innovation and economic growth.
Role of Non–Governmental Organizations
The role of the government and NGOs in empowering women cannot be overstated. Government programs like Umeed, Himayat, and Sakhi One-Stop Centers provide support, employment, and protection for women. NGOs like the Jammu & Kashmir Women's Development Corporation (JKWDC) and self-help groups contribute significantly to the economic and social empowerment of women.
Looking ahead, several steps can ensure sustained progress in women’s empowerment in J&K. Inclusive development requires involving women in decision-making processes at all levels, from local governance to state policies. Awareness campaigns can challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality through education and media. Infrastructure development, including building schools, healthcare facilities, and women-centric workspaces in rural areas, can bridge the urban-rural divide. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and NGOs can amplify efforts to empower women. Over the past two years, the Jammu and Kashmir government has been working to empower women in the region through various policies and initiatives. These include skill development training, support for women entrepreneurs, and improved security measures. Efforts are aimed at reducing the gender gap in both urban and rural areas, where women often face significant social and economic challenges.
Strengthening the Supportive Approach
Despite a history of violence and discrimination against women in Jammu and Kashmir, there is hope due to supportive approach from the Union Government. Women have long faced restrictions on their education and health, along with exposure to violence. Recent government actions have sought to improve this situation, empowering women in various fields, including politics and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives, such as the "J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission," promote entrepreneurship among women in rural areas, providing them with training and support. The "Super 75 Scholarship Scheme" offers free coaching to underprivileged students, particularly girls, and aims to enhance their educational opportunities. The "Sakhi One-Stop Center" provides vital services to women victims of violence. Strengthening legal frameworks to combat gender-based violence and ensuring swift justice is crucial for creating a safer environment for women. Awareness campaigns about legal rights can empower women to stand against discrimination and violence. Mental health support through counseling centers and support groups can address the trauma faced by women due to conflict and societal challenges. Training healthcare workers to provide gender-sensitive care is also essential.
Pathway to Holistic Development
Although progress has been made, challenges still exist. It's essential to continue and expand efforts towards women's empowerment and gender equality in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring women have access to opportunities and can live fulfilled lives. Recent appointments of women to leadership positions signal a shift towards greater equality and inclusivity. Empowering women in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a matter of social justice but a pathway to holistic development. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, the region can create an environment where women thrive as equal contributors to society. Empowering women will ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for J&K.
Email:----------------------- saliqwani109@gmail.com
Governments should adopt policies to address women's empowerment in Kashmir. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done
On 12th and 13th Jan,2025 National Human Rights and Crime Control Bureau conducted an outreach programme in Jammu university regarding women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was attended by President and Secretary NHRCCB along with various NHRCCB members of JK, UT and Students from various institutions. I had also an opportunity to attend the outreach programme of NHRCCB. During the programme participants raised concern that women empowerment has remained a grey area in the Jammu and Kashmir despite efforts made at various levels by the Government. More or less all participants raised the concern that women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir is a critical component of ensuring gender equality and sustainable development in the region.
Cultural Context of Women’s Role
The participants emphasized unique socio political and cultural dynamics of J&K, coupled with historical challenges which shaped the discourse on women’s rights and empowerment in the outreach programme. Throwing light on role of women, participants evoked Kashmir has produced notable figures like Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, and Ernimaal, who are celebrated for their influence on the region's cultural and communal values. However, there is a lack of strong contemporary female voices, highlighting a societal failure to allow women to engage in gender-inclusive politics. Women should have the opportunity to participate in leadership and development roles.
The involvement of women in decision-making is still not a reality in the valley, although some are starting to take on active career roles. With proper training, these women can challenge and reshape existing structural violence. The ongoing conflict in Kashmir has tested women’s emotional strength, yet they continue to face their struggles with nonviolent determination. Not only have they rebuilt communities ravaged by conflict, but they have also provided emotional support to men affected by the situation. With tactical support, women can become effective leaders and decision-makers in challenging circumstances and serve as peacekeepers and facilitators of interfaith dialogue.
Policy Efforts for Women Empowerment
Governments should adopt policies to address women's empowerment in Kashmir. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done. Collaboration among the Central and state governments, policymakers, and NGOs is essential to ensure the liberation and empowerment of women in Kashmir. The progress in empowering women in J&K is evident in several areas. In education, the literacy rate among women has improved significantly due to various government and non-governmental initiatives. Schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and free education programs in rural areas have played a vital role in promoting girls’ education. Politically, women are increasingly participating in local governance, with reserved seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions providing opportunities for leadership. Increased participation of women in politics, business, administrative services is inspiring more women to take the lead in various spheres of life.
Employment and entrepreneurship have also seen growth, with self-help groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) enabling women to start small businesses. Traditional crafts like Pashmina weaving and tourism offer livelihood opportunities, helping women achieve economic independence. Additionally, with the extension of central laws protecting women's rights, such as the Domestic Violence Act and laws ensuring property inheritance rights are expected to go long way in empowering the women in J&K.
Challenges for Gender equality
Women in J&K still face significant challenges. Socio-cultural barriers like patriarchal norms, early marriages, and restrictions on mobility limit their access to opportunities. Decades of conflict have disproportionately impacted women, leading to displacement, trauma, and social stigma for widows and half-widows. Healthcare access remains a concern, particularly in remote areas, where maternal and reproductive healthcare services are limited, and mental health issues are often unaddressed. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and trafficking, persists despite legal protections, with many cases going unreported due to societal pressures and lack of awareness. Amid these challenges, there are numerous opportunities to empower women further. Enhancing education and skill development through vocational training in modern fields like IT, digital marketing, and sustainable farming can boost employability. Establishing more educational institutions in rural areas will ensure access to quality education for girls. Promoting entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance, micro-loans, and marketing platforms can help women excel in industries like handicrafts, agriculture, and tourism. Encouraging women-led startups will foster innovation and economic growth.
Role of Non–Governmental Organizations
The role of the government and NGOs in empowering women cannot be overstated. Government programs like Umeed, Himayat, and Sakhi One-Stop Centers provide support, employment, and protection for women. NGOs like the Jammu & Kashmir Women's Development Corporation (JKWDC) and self-help groups contribute significantly to the economic and social empowerment of women.
Looking ahead, several steps can ensure sustained progress in women’s empowerment in J&K. Inclusive development requires involving women in decision-making processes at all levels, from local governance to state policies. Awareness campaigns can challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality through education and media. Infrastructure development, including building schools, healthcare facilities, and women-centric workspaces in rural areas, can bridge the urban-rural divide. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and NGOs can amplify efforts to empower women. Over the past two years, the Jammu and Kashmir government has been working to empower women in the region through various policies and initiatives. These include skill development training, support for women entrepreneurs, and improved security measures. Efforts are aimed at reducing the gender gap in both urban and rural areas, where women often face significant social and economic challenges.
Strengthening the Supportive Approach
Despite a history of violence and discrimination against women in Jammu and Kashmir, there is hope due to supportive approach from the Union Government. Women have long faced restrictions on their education and health, along with exposure to violence. Recent government actions have sought to improve this situation, empowering women in various fields, including politics and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives, such as the "J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission," promote entrepreneurship among women in rural areas, providing them with training and support. The "Super 75 Scholarship Scheme" offers free coaching to underprivileged students, particularly girls, and aims to enhance their educational opportunities. The "Sakhi One-Stop Center" provides vital services to women victims of violence. Strengthening legal frameworks to combat gender-based violence and ensuring swift justice is crucial for creating a safer environment for women. Awareness campaigns about legal rights can empower women to stand against discrimination and violence. Mental health support through counseling centers and support groups can address the trauma faced by women due to conflict and societal challenges. Training healthcare workers to provide gender-sensitive care is also essential.
Pathway to Holistic Development
Although progress has been made, challenges still exist. It's essential to continue and expand efforts towards women's empowerment and gender equality in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring women have access to opportunities and can live fulfilled lives. Recent appointments of women to leadership positions signal a shift towards greater equality and inclusivity. Empowering women in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a matter of social justice but a pathway to holistic development. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, the region can create an environment where women thrive as equal contributors to society. Empowering women will ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for J&K.
Email:----------------------- saliqwani109@gmail.com
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