Political empowerment is essential for the social and economic development of women, as only women can truly understand their own rights and responsibilities and effectively represent other women through policy-making.

Kashmiri women have, for the first time, been seen as leaders. This marked grassroots representation for the female folk. She stepped out of her home with new expectations, hope, and a smile. She became the hope for the hopeless and the voice for the voiceless women’s. Kashmiri women have long suffered due to turmoil, violence, and social constraints. The period of violence not only snatched away her rights but also made her a victim of extremism. She was left with no hope, and her talent became a slave due to inconvenient circumstances. Recognizing them as equal participants in the social sector, Kashmiri women were in need of empowerment through policy. Hence, the implementation of the Three-Tier Panchayati Raj System in Jammu and Kashmir, after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, marked a major democratic and administrative shift. This system—comprising the Village (Halqa Panchayat), Block (Block Development Council), and District (District Development Council) levels—brought governance closer to the grassroots and significantly benefited women, especially in rural areas.
Just a decade ago, we did not find our females in the social sectors as prominently as we are noticing them in the field now. This change is due to policy, protection, awareness, encouragement, and the challenges that empowered the once-dejected women of Kashmir. Women in Kashmir took it as a challenge despite all odds. For their empowerment, it was necessary to implement and execute schemes where they could see themselves as partners in social sectors. This empowerment through policies in the political, social, and economic growth of women in Kashmir has made them equal participants and contributors to society. Not only this, women who once felt isolated from the social fabric have now overcome that with new hope and aspiration.
The most important social sector lacking in Kashmir was the political empowerment of women. This has been addressed with the restoration of peace in the valley, protection and strict punishment against violations of women's rights, the introduction of new rights for women, and political reservations. These measures have not only empowered women but also made them courageous, inspiring, and representative voices for women at the grassroots level. Today, from Ward Members, Panchs, Sarpanchs, BDCs, and DDCs to ministers, we have witnessed an unprecedented level of women's participation in the political realm of Kashmir. We now have a significant number of women public representatives. Thus, political empowerment is essential for the social and economic development of our women, because only women can truly understand their own rights and duties and can represent women through policies.
The women leaders in rural Kashmir are now playing an active role in solving issues in society, promoting development, and shaping policies that directly affect daily life. Their participation within the governance system is changing the socio-political landscape of rural Kashmir, making it more representative and inclusive. This new trend of leadership announces a promising future based on equality, participation, and empowerment.
Under Three-Tier Panchayati Raj System women in Kashmir like Zaitoona was elected in the year 2018 and has actively participated since then, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. She held awareness drives, provided free sanitizers and masks and made sure that she organized the necessary commodities needed for her village. Her efforts gained national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged her efforts in his monthly address called 'Mann Ki Baat.'
Zaitoona's leadership goes beyond crisis management. She has spoken out regarding the necessity for better infrastructure in her village, calling for upgraded water supply systems and schools. Her dedication to empowering her community is a shining example of the change that women in government can bring.
At Baramulla District, Fatehpora Panchayat is one of the panchayats found to be working remarkably towards women empowerment and women welfare. The same was honored with the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) National Panchayat Award under the heading of "Women Friendly Panchayat". This indicates how seriously the Panchayat has been taking to build an organization where it encourages women to participate in local governance inclusively and get empowered through it.
Afroza Begum, Sarpanch of Halqa Gurseer Sangrama in Baramulla, is a case of unwavering dedication. Going against the norms of society, she takes active initiatives to reach out to government offices to fulfill her people's needs. Afroza's presence on the field and determination of her people highlight the immense role women can play in effective local governance.
Sara Begum, a Sarpanch in Kupwara, attempts to bring better sanitation, education, and healthcare facilities to her constituency. Her attempt is reflective of the diverse set of inputs that women leaders are capable of contributing towards rural development. Shazia Begum, a councilor in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, is also attempting to enhance urban infrastructure and services and demonstrates women's capabilities in different areas of governance and their adaptability.
Now, political development among women is necessary for various reasons. Firstly, it helps them understand their rights and duties. With female representatives, women feel more comfortable and confident in expressing their demands. Secondly, they no longer feel isolated from society. A few years ago, we rarely saw women leading in any political sector at the grassroots level, which left many of them feeling hopeless and unable to contribute their talents toward nation-building. Thirdly, Kashmiri women, who had long suffered in silence due to violence, are now finding a voice through political empowerment. It has given them the space and platform to speak and uplift other women with greater enthusiasm. Lastly, women have become leaders and role models—encouraging others not only in the political sphere but also in various other social sectors.

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