Bisma javed
Known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’ as a testimony to its sterling scenic beauty, Kashmir also boasts of a rich cultural heritage, exotic handicraft and hand loom cottage industries such as carpet weaving, silks, shawls, basketry, pottery, copper / silver ware, paper-mâché and walnut wood. All these are recipes for a superlative society with a strong economic foundation. However, the development of the society is hindered by the unfortunate situation of unending terrorism as well as social issues like suppression of women. Women Empowerment is an essential ingredient in the quest for development of any society. Most regions in this world overlook this inclusive development by denying equal opportunities to women and hereby fail to acknowledge a very significant source of human potential. Kashmiri women in particular are being victimised by social practices, domestic violence, militancy and armed conflict in this region. They are not only suffering from humiliation and harassment but also from shocking violent experiences that lead to continued depression. The conflicting situation in Kashmir has hit women hard- snatching their rights for a comprehensive development.
The region has witnessed low participation of women in political and socioeconomic process. These kinds of discrimination have embezzled their right of freedom of speech, right to education and employment opportunities thereby affecting their development and well-being.
There are a number of challenges towards empowerment of women in Kashmir such as Violence against women is on leaps and bounds in J&K. Illiteracy or ignorance of people also a constraint in the empowerment of women. Many girls still get married at an early age, which affects their overall development to a greater extent. Lack of decision-making authority. Lack of women participation in political affairs. Poverty and low status of women. Lack of awareness. Inadequate and unorganized health care delivery system. Women are traditionally not seen as the bread earners in the society and are mostly employed in household chores.
Skill development emphasises on acquisition of skills to ensure access to decent employment, regardless of how, where and when skills are acquired. It involves both development of new skills and up gradation of existing skills a person has. The technological advances have increased the demand for skills and competencies and reduced the value of unskilled labour. Realizing the importance of skill development, Government of India adopted National Skill Development Program in its Five-Year Plan and favoured the formation of skill development institutions for women at Regional and National level. In the case of Kashmir where unemployment is at peak, skill development initiatives can be instrumental in imparting training to young women. These initiatives can provide new opportunities and avenues and accelerate creation of more jobs, thereby empowering women and providing them an opportunity to break out from the shackles of misogyny.
For the empowerment of women in Kashmir and giving women equal status & rights as men, the Government of India has launched various schemes with an aim to empower women through skill development. Some of them are Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0, various skill development schemes have gained pace post abrogation of Article 370, enabling thousands of women to receive training and provide financial assistance to their families. National Skill Training Institute for Women established by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is an exclusive institute for women candidates. Sher-e- Kashmir Employment & Welfare Program which aims at covering a total of five lakh young women over a period of five years for self-employment. In the month of August 2022, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched the second phase of Skill Development Training Program for Women and Youth in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI). Indian Army has opened a Skill Development Centre for Women in a border village in Gurez sector in September 2022.
Provisions should be made not only for developing new skills but also for the up gradation of existing skills of women. Promotion of traditional skills within the region so as to encourage craftsmanship and utilization of resources. The traditional skills like carpet weaving, paper machine, embroidery, etc. should be promoted at the national and international level and women should be encouraged to retain and disseminate their art. Hospitality and other tourism-related courses should be given priority in skill development programs for women keeping in mind the overwhelming growth of tourism in the region from last few years.
