GENDER EQUALITY AND ROLE OF WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT OF KASHMIR
Universally, women have rarer prospects for socio, politico and economic contribution than men, less admittance to elementary and higher edification, bigger health and security risk and less representation in all segments. Assuring the rights of women & giving them prospects to grasp their full latent is critical not only for accomplishing gender parity, but correspondingly for meeting an inclusive array of international development goals. Empowered women and girls contribute to the health and productivity of their families, societies, states and nations, generating a ripple result that benefits everybody, especially for the states like Kashmir that has witnessed large volume of atrocities from Pakistan sponsored terrorism.Gender equality and the role of women in the development of Kashmir are two vital issues that have been the focus of attention for a long time. In Kashmir, women have played a substantial role in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of the region. However, their contributions have often been overlooked and undervalued.Gender inequality is a pervasive problem in Kashmir, with women facing various forms of discrimination and oppression. They have limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The patriarchal norms prevalent in the society make it difficult for women to participate in decision-making processes and they don’t have a say in matters that affect their lives. Despite such challenges, women in Kashmir have shown remarkable resilience and have made significant contributions to the development of the region. Women have played an important role in various fields, including education, healthcare, sports and entrepreneurship. They have set up businesses, worked as doctors, teachers, and engineers, and have contributed to the growth of the economy. Historically also, noteworthy women, like Lalleshwari, also recognized as Lal Ded, a Kashmiri mystic of the Kashmiri Shaivism and the architect of magic rhymes called Vatsun have contributed enormously towards Kashmiri literature apart from Habba Khatoon, also known by the symbolic title – ‘The Nightingale of Kashmir’, who is considered as the chief Kashmiri versifiers of all time, with supreme vocal expertise, have engraved their names in golden letters in the antiquity of Kashmir.One of the key areas where women in Kashmir have made a significant contribution in contemporary time is the education sector. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to improve access to education for girls in Kashmir. This has led to an increase in the number of girls attending school and pursuing higher education. Apart from education, Kashmiri women have also played an important role in the field of healthcare, with many working as doctors and nurses and providing vital services to the community. To name a few noteworthy women, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, first Kashmiri women to become IAS, presently posted as DC Baramulla; Dr Nyla Ali Khan, an eminent author and an academician, she has written many books mostly discussing the plight of the women of her home land; ACP Dr Ruveda Salam, currently posted in Tamil Nadu; Dr.Sharmeen Mushtaq, first women to participate in the Gulmarg Snow Car Rally 2018; Miss Tajamul Islam eleven year old youngest little Kashmiri girl who won much coveted World Kick Boxing Championship organised in Italy in the year 2016 and the recent achiever Miss Saima Ashraf Shah from Lolab, Kupwara who cleared JKAS exam with State Rank 127; the list will go endless for woman achievers who have created history and proved to be equal contributor for development of Kashmir. In addition to education and healthcare, women in Kashmir have also made important contributions to the economic development of the region. Many women have set up businesses and have become successful entrepreneurs, creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the economy. Women have also been involved in agriculture and have played a key role in ensuring food security in the region. Despite their significant contributions, women in Kashmir continue to face numerous challenges. The patriarchal and radical norms prevalent in the society make it difficult for women to participate in decision-making processes and have a say in matters that affect their lives. Violence against women is also a major concern, with incidents of domestic violence and sexual harassment being reported regularly.To address these challenges, there is a need for a concerted effort at all level to promote gender equality and empower women in Kashmir. This can be done by providing Kashmiri women with access to education and economic opportunities, promoting their participation in decision-making processes, and addressing the root causes of gender inequality and discrimination. In the direction to terminate all forms of discrimination against women to include violence, trafficking, sexual & other exploitations and to eradicate harmful practices of forced marriages, a tangible measure from all segments are obligatory to be taken to comprise recognizing and appreciating unpaid care and domestic work done by women at home apart from relishing the success of noteworthy women from Kashmir. Also, there is a need of ensuring effective participation of Kashmiri women by providing equal prospects for leadership at all levels of policymaking in political, economic and public life to end oppression. The initiatives like providing exposure to Kashmiri women outside of Kashmir for studies, entrepreneurship, business etc will give huge dividends in terms of removing blockades of gender discrimination against Kashmiri women. It is pertinent to mention that, the key factor for the oppression & narrow mindedness of Kashmiri women is Radicalization & extremist ideologies present in the Kashmiri society which need to be addressed on the lines of other states of India and liberal societies. Kashmiri Pandit women, hailing from the same society have done wonders in all fields, relevant to mention, Mrs. Aarti Tikoo Singh, a renowned journalist and Mrs Aashajee, Sarpanch from Wussan block, Baramulla and many other Kashmiri women in the list which is the result of liberal exposure that they experienced at their home and community. The Kashmiri Muslim women can also imprint their talent after deradicalization of society and getting themselves free from the clutches of the orthodoxy of radical society for which everyone need to contribute for the betterment of Kashmir.In nutshell, Kashmiri Women have made significant contributions in various fields including education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship etc. However, gender inequality and discrimination continue to be a major challenge which need to be addressed at each and every level. By promoting gender equality and empowering women, we as a Nation-State can ensure that Kashmiri women have equal opportunities to participate in the development of Kashmir and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Kashmir and India as a Nation.
