Imagine a world where men would occupy every sphere of life-preparing food, running schools, teaching as professors and serving as doctors. In a society, something fundamental would be missing. There would be a visible decline in empathy, a weakening of the nurturing spirit and a noticeable absence of compassion and emotional sensitivity. The social atmosphere would begin to feel cold and unbalanced as if an essential human element has been removed. The absence of women would not merely leave a gap in participation, but would create an unsettling and incomplete world, lacking the warmth, care and emotional depth that are vital for a truly humane society. As Bell Hooks says that rarely, if ever are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.
Women constitute one of the vital pillars of the society. According to Census (2011), women account for 47% of population of J&K. It is being widely acknowledged that educating a woman contribute not only to her as an individual but also to the progress and prosperity of the entire family associated with her and future generations. Women are multi-taskers. They’re intellectual contributors, care givers, nurtures and often recognized for carrying a multi-dimensional approach. They manage multiple responsibilities without chaos and confusion with clarity and crystal-like work.
However, prior to such credentials and advancements in 21st Century, an era which is related with progress, modernization and social transformation, Women in Kashmir still continue to face incidents related to psychological illness such as Depression, Anxiety, Stress; etc. it appears to be paradoxical, particularly in the lights of improvements in educational attainments. As per Census 2011, the female literacy rate in J&K stands at 58% indicating a significant expansion in access to education. As Kavita Suri says that Women’s Education is a powerful catalyst for change, empowering individuals, communities and societies as whole. But the numbers are showcasing a different story. Studies such as the Medicines Sans Frontiers Kashmir Mental Health Survey (2015) and research published in BMJ Global Health show the figures as:
Depression Among Women in Kashmir- 50%
Anxiety- 36%
Overall, Psychiatric Disorder
Prevalence- 11.3%
Women- 12.9%
Men -8.4% (Lippincott Journal, 2024).
Yet, the increased literacy has not necessarily translated into the improved mental well-being. It is being observed that in some cases, the escalation of mental health problems is related to the structural and socio-economic factors. Such as, the patriarchal social organization, gendered division of roles, limited autonomy and entrenched social stigmas continue to impact and shape women’s experience particularly in Valley of Mountains.
Even in today’s rapidly evolving society, women folk still face hurdles related to the social stigmas, norms and prejudices defining their roles, avenues and opportunities irrespective of their caliber and creativity. 53.6% of young women in JK struggle to find jobs which is double the National Average of 21% among young women, further highlighting the severity of J&K’s crisis (A 2025 GK Report).
There are a number of factors responsible for plight of women in JK. Some of the are:
Care giving burden and Emotional labor: In Kashmiri Household’s, it is being regarded that the caring and nurturing aspect is women’s obligation which certainly aligns with the concept given by famous American Sociologist Arlie Hoch child’s who talks about Emotional Labor wherein women absorb and manage emotional stress. She compares it with unpaid emotional labor as well like caregiving, maintaining family relationships and resolving conflicts.
Mental Health stigma is a great barrier. Depression is often related to as “Weakness and Emotional Issue.” There has been a lower help seeking behavior among women. It corelates with the concept of Structural Violence by Johan Galtung who says that Structural Violence is invisible and indirect which is imbedded in economic systems, political institutions and social hierarchies.
It can further be related with the Conflict-Inflicted Trauma (Violence/ Stress).
Patriarchal Constraints (Restrictions on Mobility/ Career Choice and Marriage Choices).
Social Stigma like Economic Inter-dependence despite being educated which sometimes creates frustration as well as identity crisis which further paves way to Aspirational Deprivation that is the gap between Education and Opportunities which could be further explained with the Relative Deprivation Theory by Samuel A. Stouffer further developed by Ted Robert Gurr which says that there is a gap between the expectations and reality which leads to poverty, deprivation and increased stress. And, in this case, financial inter-dependence leads to vulnerability.
Conclusion

The rising cases of Mental Illness in Kashmir like Depression and Anxiety showcases the adversity of the society that we live in. educating a female alone does not regard or impeach empowerment. Education alone is insufficient to break barriers for women folk. What it requires is Structural Transformation such as Recognize and Redistribute Emotional Labor (Arlie R. Hochschild) in families that certainly helps to improve mental well- being. In many cases,
Skill Development and financial independence reduce anxiety and dependence-based stress.
Conflict Sensitive policy framework that is
Trauma- Informed Care for Conflict affected women.
Rehabilitation programs for widows, half-widows and victims.
Incorporate mental health into peace building.

Which furthermore, aligns with John Galtung’s Idea of Positive Peace that is the removal of the structural causes of the suffering.
All in all, it shows that reducing mental disorder among women in Kashmir requires a holistic approach spanning from healthcare, economy and gender norms. Without addressing these root causes, the interventions will remain superficial. Real change lies on creating a scenario where women are not taken as burden or worthless but socially supported, economically empowered and psychologically free.

Email:---------------------afreenmanzoor121@gmail.com