Recognizing Women’s Crucial Role in Development, Peace and Stability
As India strides towards progress and development, acknowledging the vital role women play becomes imperative. In the intricate tapestry of Kashmir, the empowerment of women emerges as a pivotal force for positive change.Women constitute 47% of the total population in J&K. This significant portion of the population must contribute to development, becoming professionals in various fields and contributing significantly to the nation-building process.
The Effect of Conflict: The journey of women in regions like Jammu and Kashmir has been marred by the long-standing conflict, significantly affecting their lives. Kashmiri society has traditionally placed women in important roles in the societal hierarchy. The advent of fundamentalism, militancy and terrorism brought about severe challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Women faced discrimination, violence, and harassment, creating a dire situation. Kashmir has a history of protest politics, wherein women have been prominently involved. Over time, women in Kashmir have been misled and subjected to mistreatment on the streets. Certain opportunistic factions manipulated them into taking to the roads and staging sit-ins as part of a calculated strategy. Despite their genuine intention to promote stability and advocate for it within their communities, they have been led astray to support secessionist ideologies.According to Swati Parashar, women have played a pivotal role as a support network for militants. She asserts that they provided care and protection to militants, conveying messages and transporting arms. Despite a society traditionally characterized by Sufi values, younger women, influenced by fundamentalists, romanticized the rebellious “angry young man” in pseudo-military attire. The acceptance of armed masculinity became ingrained in a society historically associated with peaceful Sufi principles (Source: “Gender, Jihad, and Jingoism,” Swati Parashar, 2011, p. 438). Despite these challenges, the resilience and courage of women in Jammu and Kashmir have been remarkable, with a notable increase in women’s participation in various fields.
A Shift Towards Peace and Stability: Post the decline of terrorism and abrogation of Article 370, the region has witnessed a significant shift. The focus on peace and stability, coupled with various initiatives, has fostered an environment conducive to the resurgence of women to their rightful place. The government, under the leadership of Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, has taken deliberate and positive steps to address the issues faced by women. In the complex terrain of Jammu & Kashmir, the government has implemented measures to improve the security situation for women, strengthening law-and-order machinery and increasing police patrolling in vulnerable areas. Skill development training and initiatives to promote women’s entrepreneurship have been rolled out, aiming to bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive society.
Gender Sensitization Initiatives: The government’s commitment to gender sensitization and awareness is evident through initiatives led by the LG. Sensitizing young boys and men on gender equality and women’s rights is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and safe society. The impact of these initiatives on women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir has been substantial.
“Empowerment of women is integral to the region’s progress and development. The multifaceted initiatives, spanning education, entrepreneurship, and social engagement, reflect a holistic approach towards creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute positively. The government’s commitment, coupled with collaborative efforts from the civil society, army, and corporate social responsibility, has yielded tangible results. This also helps in maintaining peace and stability in the region at this critical juncture. As the region navigates its developmental trajectory, sustaining and expanding these efforts is crucial to ensuring that women in Kashmir have equal access to opportunities.”
Education-A Cornerstone for Empowerment: In the field of education, several initiatives have been introduced to improve women’s opportunities and accessibility. The partnership among the Indian Army, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and the National Integrity Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) in the “Super 50” program, catering to both engineering and medical aspirants, has produced impressive outcomes.The recently announced results for NEET UG 2023 showcased an outstanding performance by girl students. Among the 157 participants in the NEET examination, 128 students, comprising 74 girls and 54 boys, successfully qualified for this national-level pre-medical entrance test. Commending HPCL and the Indian Army for this achievement, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his appreciation in a tweet.
Beyond Academia-Skill development: The empowerment of women in Jammu and Kashmir extends beyond academic achievements. The “Mission Youth” initiative, encompassing livelihood generation, education, recreational and social engagement, counselling, and rehabilitation, has witnessed significant participation. More than 74,771 youths have joined Youth Clubs across 20 districts, providing them with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society. The “J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission” has not only created entrepreneurs but has also contributed to the economic independence of women, providing them with a sustainable source of income. Training in skills such as handicrafts, tailoring, and food processing, coupled with seed capital and marketing support, has empowered over 2,000 women entrepreneurs in the region.
Noteworthy Appointments-Fostering Gender Equality: Noteworthy instances in the landscape of gender inclusivity include the appointment of a woman Vice Chancellor at Kashmir University, a woman Secretary in the Sports Council, the election of a woman Chairperson in JK Haj Committee, and other significant positions. Such appointments mark a pivotal stride towards fostering gender equality and inclusiveness in the region.
A Vision for an Inclusive Future: While these achievements signify progress, it is important to acknowledge that challenges persist. Limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, coupled with gender-based violence and abuse, continue to be issues that need concerted efforts. The journey towards gender equality and women’s empowerment is ongoing, requiring sustained and expanded initiatives. A society that values and respects its women is a society that thrives and prospers, and the transformative initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir are steering the region towards such an inclusive future. Kashmir is at the cusp of transitioning from a terrorism-troubled society to a vibrant and flourishing one. Empowerment of women is integral to the region’s progress and development. The multifaceted initiatives, spanning education, entrepreneurship, and social engagement, reflect a holistic approach towards creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute positively. The government’s commitment, coupled with collaborative efforts from the civil society, army, and corporate social responsibility, has yielded tangible results. This also helps in maintaining peace and stability in the region at this critical juncture. As the region navigates its developmental trajectory, sustaining and expanding these efforts is crucial to ensuring that women in Kashmir have equal access to opportunities.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
