The journey of the women of Kashmir in politics is an inspiring journey that is full of courage, struggle, and perseverance. There was a time when the women had almost no decision-making role. Now they are coming forward, heading villages, towns, and even districts, changing the political scenario through their willpower and vision.

If we take a look back into history, even during the times when men largely took up leadership positions, there were powerful women who left their impression. One of the most renowned women is Queen Didda, who was the ruler of Kashmir in the 10th century. She showed the world that women too can rule as efficiently as others. She reigned for almost half a century and, later on, foreign invasions and the arrival of new customs gradually displaced women from positions of authority and decision-making.
Women's political engagement was almost nonexistent under Dogra rule. Men are always the only people in power, men of privilege, and women are confined to the home. However, as the freedom movements developed throughout the rest of India in the early part of the twentieth century, movements around women's rights and autonomy were also beginning to penetrate Kashmir.
Since 1947, when Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, women have enjoyed the right to vote, a strong constitutional assurance of equality. On paper, it was a major achievement. But in reality, the situation on the ground was much more complicated. Conventional social norms continued to limit the political engagement of women, especially at the grassroots level.
The escalation of the turmoil in the late 1980s and 1990s again challenged the strength of Kashmiri women. Instead of being passive witnesses, women actively engaged in their communities, demonstrating, seeking justice, and standing up for victims of violence. The real change towards women's political empowerment arrived with the adoption of the three tier Panchayati Raj system. The 2020 local body polls were a breakthrough, especially since a certain proportion of seats were reserved for women. This swung open a door that had remained shut for centuries. Overnight, women who never thought they would be in a leadership position discovered an avenue of entry into politics.
Consider the case of Naseema Akhtar from Budgam, who was elected to become a sarpanch with the help of the Panchayati Raj system. She worked endlessly repairing village roads and schools and improving health services. She addressed girls' schooling and ensured women had adequate medical care. She was laying the foundation for a healthier and better informed society.
Shahnaz Akhter from Rajouri was another such strong local leader. Many women were made accessible to government welfare schemes through her work, sanitation was ensured, and small-scale farming programmes were initiated, thereby boosting the village economy. Her leadership had a spreading effect, where other women from her community believed that they also could become leaders.
These stories are added to by Mehnaz Jan from Ringi Pattan, who has been instrumental in bringing about development to her village. A sarpanch, she emphasized the strengthening of infrastructure, improvement of water facilities, and encouraging women self-help groups. Mehnaz also ensured establishment of vocational training opportunities for young women to become economically independent and assertive.
In a similar manner, Fatah Begum, 80 years-old and Sarpanch of Amargarh village in Sopore, is an unstoppable force. Fatah Begum's hard work for her village at her age exemplifies that leadership knows no age or gender. Making roads better, supporting access to healthcare and education-in her village, she works tirelessly in service to her village.
This change, of course, did not happen immediately. The initial response was doubt and even push-back against women leaders. In some cases, women were certainly elected to office, but actual decision-making was still held with male relatives. But, over a period of time, women leaders like Naseema, Shahnaz, Mehnaz, and Fatah Begum were able to demonstrate competency, build people's trust, and position them self as true representatives of their people.
The political scenario changed yet again after Article 370 was abrogated in 2019, with Jammu and Kashmir being reorganized as a Union Territory. The District Development Council (DDC) election in 2020 saw more women taking part. A glowing example is Baramulla's Safeena Beigh, who was elected the chairperson of her DDC. She targeted crucial areas such as education, health, and infrastructure, proving that not only were women playing a role but they were also actively designing the future of the region's governance.
Education has significantly contributed to the onset of changes. Today, more women than at any other time in history are entering universities and taking up professions previously considered solely masculine domains. Kashmiri women are breaking stereotypes, from being doctors and engineers to administrators and lawyers, thus contributing to all levels of society.
The rise of digital technology and social media acted as equalizers. People such as Farhat Shah from Srinagar have been using online platforms to reach out to young women and involve them in civic life, requiring them to vote, put their views out, and aim high. They use online campaigns, videos for education, and mentorship programs, empowering women through urban centers and into remote corners of the villages.
But there are challenges. There are security issues, deeply rooted patriarchal mindsets, and half-hearted political stability. Yet, with every success story, a little more of that barrier gets chipped away, thus facilitating the role of the next generation of women leaders.
Kashmiri women are no longer just standing in the crowd today; they are standing tall on the center stage. Their ascension to politics is not merely a political milestone it is a cultural revolution. They are creating a new Kashmir: one which is more inclusive, more just, and more promising for future generations.
The winds of change blowing through the Kashmir valleys are undeniable. From Queen Didda's rule in the 10th century to sarpanches in villages, DDC leaders, and digital influencers of the modern era, women of Kashmir have traveled a long way. They have transitioned from the fringes to the center of the government and the journey has only just begun.

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