Author
Darakshan Hassan Bhat is a dedicated gender studies specialist, development practitioner, and social advocate with over eight years of experience promoting women-led initiatives and addressing gender-based challenges. She has worked with several renowned organizations, including the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, the National Commission for Women, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, J&K Police, and the Social Welfare Department of Jammu and Kashmir. As a young changemaker, she has represented Jammu & Kashmir in the National Youth Parliament in 2019.
Kashmir has long been a land of secularism and pluralistic traditions, producing remarkable women who have played pivotal roles in shaping its history. From Kota Rani, the last Hindu queen of Kashmir known for her administrative acumen, to Habba Khatoon, whose poetry continues to resonate with generations, the region has celebrated female intellect and leadership. Spiritual figures like Lalleswari (Lal Ded) and Rupa Bhawani have left an unforgettable impact on
