Women empowerment is a process that enables women to claim their rights, access equal opportunities, and realise their full potential in various spheres of life. It is also a key factor for the development and well-being of any region, especially one that has been affected by conflict and violence for decades. In the picturesque area of Kupwara in North Kashmir, a positive transformation is unfolding as various stakeholders, including the Indian Army, work together to empower women and foster societal development.
The women of North Kashmir, like the rest of the state, have faced multiple forms of discrimination and oppression due to patriarchal and conservative social norms, the lack of education and employment opportunities, and the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual abuse. According to the 2011 census, the female literacy rate in North Kashmir was 58.01%, compared to 76.75% for males. The female workforce participation rate was 19.81%, compared to 57.33% for males. The gender gap in education and employment reflects the low status and empowerment of women in the region.
Women’s empowerment in North Kashmir faces several structural and cultural challenges. Women have a negligible presence in the political arena of North Kashmir, as they are either excluded or discouraged from contesting elections or joining political parties. The patriarchal mindset, the security threats, and the social pressure prevent women from taking an active role in the decision-making process. According to a study by the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation, only 3.8% of the candidates in the 2014 assembly elections in North Kashmir were women, and only one-woman MLA was elected from the region.
Women in North Kashmir face various barriers to accessing quality education and skill development opportunities, such as poverty, distance, insecurity, gender bias, and early marriage. The dropout rate of girls is high, especially at the secondary and higher levels. The educational institutions are also inadequate, understaffed, and under-resourced. As a result, women lack the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their aspirations and careers.
Women in North Kashmir have limited access to economic resources and opportunities, such as land, credit, markets, and employment. The region’s agricultural economy is dominated by men, who own and control the land and other productive assets. The formal sector employment is scarce and competitive, and the informal sector is exploitative and insecure. Women working in the handicrafts, horticulture, or tourism sectors face low wages, poor working conditions, and exploitation of middlemen. The women entrepreneurs face difficulties starting and sustaining their businesses, due to the lack of capital, infrastructure, technology, and market linkages.
Women in North Kashmir have poor access to health and social services, such as reproductive health, mental health, legal aid, and social security. The health infrastructure is inadequate, especially in the remote and conflict-affected areas. The health personnel are insufficient and often untrained. The health awareness and behaviour among women are low, due to the lack of information, education, and communication. The mental health issues among women are high, due to the trauma, stress, and depression caused by the conflict and violence. The legal and social services for women are also weak, as they lack the awareness, resources, and support to seek justice and redressal for their grievances.
Despite the challenges and constraints, women empowerment in North Kashmir has also witnessed positive initiatives and achievements. In 2011, the Jammu and Kashmir government implemented the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, which reserved 33% of the seats for women in the panchayats and urban local bodies. Encouraging greater participation of women in local governance, the Indian Army has supported initiatives to create awareness and provide training for women leaders. This collaborative approach ensures women have a strong voice in decision-making, contributing to the region’s overall development. This collaboration allowed women to participate in their areas’ grassroots governance and development. In the 2011 panchayat elections, more than 3,700 women were elected as panches and sarpanches in North Kashmir. In the 2018 urban local body elections, more than 400 women were elected as corporators and councillors in the region. These women representatives have been involved in various activities, such as sanitation, water supply, education, health, and women’s welfare.
In collaboration with local communities, the Indian Army’s Sadbhavna activities focus on fostering cultural and social awareness. By organising events and campaigns promoting inclusivity and challenging stereotypes, the Army creates a more supportive and accepting environment for women in Kupwara. Recognising the pivotal role of economic independence, the Indian Army has supported various skill development programs and vocational training for women in Kupwara. By fostering entrepreneurship and providing avenues for financial growth, the Army contributes to the economic upliftment of the community. Some of the successful examples of women’s SHGs and cooperatives in North Kashmir include Barkat-e-Bistro, a women-led Bakery in Patheri, Numerous Skill Development centres all across North Kashmir, Indian National Flag Stitching Centre in Kupwara, the Youth Development Centre for women in Tangdhar, Sanitary Pad Manufacturing workshop at Machhal, the Umeed programme of the Jammu and Kashmir State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the Looms of Ladakh initiative of the Women’s Alliance of Ladakh, The Kashmiri Women’s Design Collective of the Craft Development Institute and many more. These groups and cooperatives provide women a platform to save, borrow, invest, produce, and market their products and services, such as handicrafts, dairy, poultry, horticulture, and tourism. They also provide women a space to interact, share, learn, and support each other.
To address the issues of violence, harassment, and abuse faced by women in North Kashmir, several women’s helplines and counselling centres have been established by the government and non-government agencies. These helplines and centres provide women with a 24×7 toll-free number, where they can call and seek assistance, guidance, and support from trained counsellors, lawyers, and police officers. They also provide women with legal aid, medical aid, shelter, and rehabilitation services. Some of the prominent women’s helplines and counselling centres in North Kashmir are the Women’s Helpline 181 of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Women in Need (WIN) of the Kashmir Women’s Trust, and the Kashmir Lifeline of the Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF). Understanding the importance of healthcare, the Indian Army has actively organised health camps and awareness programs in Kupwara. These initiatives aim to enhance the health and well-being of women, promoting a healthier and more resilient community.
Women in North Kashmir have also been recognised and appreciated for their achievements and contributions in various fields, such as education, sports, arts, culture, and social work. They have received awards, honours, and scholarships from the state, national, and international levels. They have also inspired and motivated other women and girls to follow their dreams and passions. Some of the remarkable women achievers from North Kashmir are Parveena Ahanger, the founder and chairperson of the APDP, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and 2017, Mehvish Mushtaq, the first Kashmiri woman to develop an android application called Dial Kashmir, Nahida Manzoor, the first Kashmiri woman to scale Mount Everest and Iqra Rasool, the first Kashmiri woman cricketer to play for the Indian team, Promoting education as a cornerstone for empowerment, the Indian Army has actively supported educational initiatives in Kupwara. Through partnerships with local schools and NGOs, they’ve facilitated access to quality education for girls, emphasising the importance of knowledge in shaping a brighter future.
Women empowerment in North Kashmir is also a hopeful and promising process, as it showcases the resilience and potential of women who have overcome the odds and barriers and have emerged as agents of change and development in their communities and society. The journey towards women empowerment in Kupwara, North Kashmir, is marked by collective efforts and positive collaboration, with the Indian Army playing a commendable role through its various initiatives and Sadbhavna activities. By focusing on education, economic opportunities, governance, healthcare, and cultural awareness, the Army contributes to the region’s holistic development. It also showcases the efforts and initiatives of various stakeholders who have supported and facilitated women’s empowerment in the area. Therefore, women empowerment in North Kashmir is not a myth, but a reality that needs to be acknowledged, celebrated, and strengthened.