Aabid Mushtaq
Education has long been regarded as the most powerful instrument of social transformation. In a region such as Jammu and Kashmir, where development has historically been shaped by geographical challenges, social traditions and political disruptions, the education of women carries particular significance. Educated women not only gain personal empowerment but also play a crucial role in improving family health, strengthening economic participation and shaping a more progressive society. Over the past few decades, the region has made noticeable progress in expanding educational opportunities for girls. Yet the journey towards
genuine educational equality remains incomplete. The literacy landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has improved gradually over time. According to the Census of India 2011, the overall literacy rate in the region stood at about 67.16%, while female literacy was around 56.4%. Although this figure was lower than the national average for women, it represented a significant improvement from earlier decades when female literacy in the region was extremely low. In recent years, government data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) has shown encouraging trends. Enrolment of girls in primary and elementary education has increased substantially, and in several districts the Gender Parity Index in elementary education is close to or slightly above 1.0, suggesting that girls are now enrolling in schools in numbers comparable to boys.
Higher education is also witnessing a gradual shift. Universities such as the University of Kashmir and University of Jammu report rising female participation in various disciplines, particularly in medicine, education and the humanities. Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and scholarship schemes for girls have played an important role in encouraging families to send their daughters to school and continue their education. Despite these improvements, the reality of women’s education in Jammu and Kashmir remains uneven. A major concern is the high dropout rate among girls after secondary school. While many girls enrol in primary education, a significant number discontinue their studies before completing higher secondary or pursuing college education. The reasons behind this pattern are complex and deeply rooted in both structural and cultural factors.
Socio-cultural expectations continue to shape educational choices in many communities. In certain rural areas, girls are expected to assume domestic responsibilities at an early age, and their education is often seen as secondary to household duties. Concerns related to safety, mobility and social norms sometimes discourage families from allowing daughters to travel long distances for schooling or higher education. Geography further complicates the issue. Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous terrain means that many villages are located far from secondary schools or colleges. For girls, the absence of safe transportation or hostel facilities becomes a significant barrier. Long and difficult journeys to school often lead families to withdraw their daughters from education after the primary stage. Economic constraints also play a crucial role.
“Educating women is a primary catalyst for social health, economic growth, and democratic strength. In Jammu and Kashmir, providing quality education for girls is the essential factor that will determine if the region achieves its full potential for progress.”
In households with limited financial resources, the education of sons may be prioritised because it is often perceived as offering greater economic returns. Even when schooling itself is free, additional costs such as transportation, books and accommodation can discourage families from supporting the higher education of daughters. Government policies aimed at promoting girls’ education have undoubtedly improved access, yet their implementation has not always been consistent. Critics point out that many programmes focus primarily on increasing enrolment figures, while issues of retention, quality of education and career opportunities receive less attention. Several rural schools continue to struggle with shortages of trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure and limited digital facilities. The absence of proper sanitation facilities in some schools has also been identified as a factor contributing to dropout rates among adolescent girls.
The region’s education system has also been affected by periodic disruptions caused by political instability, school closures and internet shutdowns. Such interruptions have long-term consequences for students, particularly girls, who are often less likely to return to school once their education is disrupted. Furthermore, while progress has been made in basic education, opportunities for skill-based education, vocational training and employment-oriented programmes for women remain limited, restricting their transition from education to economic independence. Yet, despite these challenges, signs of positive social change are emerging across Jammu and Kashmir. Increasingly, families are recognising that educating daughters brings long-term benefits not only to individuals but also to households and communities. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, make informed health decisions and contribute to social development. Across the region, young women are pursuing careers in medicine, civil services, research, entrepreneurship and academia, gradually reshaping traditional perceptions about women’s roles in society.
The progress made so far suggests that the foundations for change have been laid, but much remains to be done. Improving rural educational infrastructure, expanding secondary schools and colleges, providing safe transportation and hostel facilities, and increasing scholarships for girls can significantly strengthen women’s access to education. Equally important is the need to promote community awareness programmes that challenge deep-rooted gender biases and emphasise the importance of educating girls. The future of Jammu and Kashmir will depend in many ways on how effectively it invests in the education of its women. Educating girls is not merely a social welfare objective; it is a powerful driver of long-term development. When women are educated, societies become healthier, economies grow stronger and democratic participation deepens. Ensuring that every girl in the region has the opportunity to receive quality education will ultimately determine whether the promise of progress in Jammu and Kashmir can truly be realised.
(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”)
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