The prolonged turmoil and violence in Kashmir have had a devastating impact on the lives of women in the region. They have been the worst affected, facing numerous challenges and restrictions. Religious fanatics and radicalization have hindered women from showcasing their talents and abilities. Unfortunately, women have often been used as shields and treated as servants. The enduring turmoil has not only robbed them of their careers, but also their hopes, desires, and, most importantly, their freedom and liberty.

Kashmiri women have faced the consequences of fanatical ideologies and have been misguided within the socio-cultural fabric. They have been deprived of social, political, and economic opportunities. It is disheartening to witness the low participation of girls in elections and the limited representation of women in fields such as education, business, sports, and other important domains. Even sectors predominantly associated with women have been predominantly occupied by men. There was a time when television and women going out were banned in Kashmir.
The empowerment of women has long been a concerning issue in Kashmir. Women in the region face limited opportunities, which result in their dependence on men's income and hinder their ability to live independently.
Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in human development, equivalent to that of men. The status, employment, and work performed by women in society serve as indicators of a nation's overall progress. Without the active participation of women in national activities, a country's social, economic, and political advancement will stagnate.
Women in Kashmir continue to struggle to break free from the chains that confine them and challenge the unequal distribution of power in society. As famously stated by Pt. Nehru, "To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the nation moves.
In JKUT, the contrast is striking, with the region having the highest female illiteracy and unemployment rates in the country. Despite facing limited opportunities in the workforce, remarkable women like Ayesha Aziz have achieved great success, with Ayesha becoming the youngest pilot in the country. Women in Kashmir have not only encountered challenges from their parents but also from the effects of radicalization over the past thirty years.
It has to be acknowledged, that few women in J&K shine as the beacon of hope, their achievements cannot and should not be used to hide the structural discrimination and challenges that the majority of women in the UT continue to face. These issues must be addressed and remedies must be sought with renewed urgency if the development and social justice is to be achieved.
The ignorance in Kashmir, caused by religious radicalization and misinterpretation, has made every woman a victim of the circumstances. In Kashmir, empowering women was seen as a curse and was considered wrong. This not only stifled their fundamental rights but also hindered the necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam once said, "When women are empowered, a society with stability is assured. Gone are the days when women were considered subservient or secondary in almost all walks of life compared to men. It has now been amply proved that women can execute any job as efficiently as men, if not more.
Besides social, cultural, customs, values, ethos, and religious constraints, women in conservative societies like Kashmir face numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, it is commendable to see the bravery of women who confront these challenges and societal restrictions. Many have emerged as social workers, actively contributing to the political, social, and public service sectors at a high level. These women, who even participate in elections, bravely challenge and transcend the effects of radicalization. In Kashmir, women not only contend with social, political, and moral constraints but also have to confront the impact of radicalization.
Women have made significant contributions to the development of society. It is crucial to offer them educational opportunities to empower them, and it is equally important to ensure the continuity of their secondary and university education. Empowering women entails providing them with equal access to education, healthcare, decent employment, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes. This will not only stimulate sustainable economies but also benefit societies and humanity as a whole.
During the violence triggered by the onset of cross-border terrorism in 1989, women were the most affected. They not only endured intense humiliation and harassment but also faced traumatic experiences that led to protracted depression, resulting in mental illness. Many women who became widows had to shoulder the responsibility of raising their children and managing family affairs. Women in J&K (Jammu and Kashmir) are grappling with numerous issues and challenges related to health, the economy, education, politics, domestic violence, female feticide and infanticide, cross-border terror and violence, dowry harassment, eve teasing, unequal wages, child labor, and more.
The central government and the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) administration have collaborated to eradicate the menace of violence and provide a safe environment for women, particularly in Kashmir. In the past four years, they have actively pursued policies and initiatives focused on empowering women in the region. The government has also made efforts to enhance the security situation for women by strengthening the law enforcement system and increasing police presence in vulnerable areas.
Schemes such as the "J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission" have been implemented with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among women in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of this initiative, women are receiving training in various skills such as handicrafts, tailoring, and food processing. They are also provided with seed capital and marketing support to establish their own businesses.