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 Kashmiri society, advocating for harmony and self-realization. In more recent times, a few women who have a leveraged political background and dynastic support, such as Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, Hena Bhat, Rubina Akther, Safeena Beigh, and Darakhshan Andarabi, have actively contributed to Kashmir’s political and social discourse.
Despite Kashmir’s rich secular legacy, the rise of terrorism in the late 1980s brought a significant regression in women’s rights. This period marked the downfall of Kashmiri women in every aspect of life. The turmoil created an atmosphere where women became victims, both directly and indirectly. Terrorism not only introduced the general public to unlawful arms but also restricted women’s rights. Other factors include shifts in priorities, social and cultural constraints, the decline of women-centric political movements, lack of institutional support, media representation, and stereotyping. Women, who once enjoyed relative social freedom, found themselves at the mercy of God.
The role of religious extremists was highly oppressive towards women, prohibiting them from stepping outside without a burqa. Acid attacks became a terrifying reality, with several young girls targeted for defying radical norms. These attacks aimed to instill fear and push women back into seclusion. The early 1990s witnessed a chilling transformation of Kashmir’s social fabric as educational institutions faced threats and professional women were forced to either conform or abandon their aspirations. They became victims of rape, injustice, deprivation, social stigma, gender bias, political instability, conflict, lack of representation and opportunities, a patriarchal society, security concerns, economic dependence, limited political awareness and education, and cultural and religious constraints.
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 marked a significant policy shift, bringing various central government schemes into the fold of Kashmiri society and providing avenues for women’s progress in business and education. These include the Tejaswini Scheme, which paves the way for 33% reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and the Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023), which provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, marking a historic move to increase female representation in higher political offices. Other key initiatives include Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Stand Up India Scheme, which supports women entrepreneurs by enabling them to gain financial independence and later enter politics, and Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK), which strengthen grassroots-level women’s empowerment by providing skill training, legal aid, and political awareness sessions. These initiatives have increased women’s political representation, with the BJP witnessing a rise in female MPs, MLAs, and local leaders.
The decline in militancy to almost zero today was hard to achieve. However, empowering women who had faced religious and political bigotry was an even more challenging task. Providing platforms and opportunities for Kashmiri women required policies, ideologies, and schemes to inspire them to stand up and fight for their rights. Our leaders have been executing this steadily over the past decade. No force, no pressure—letting women decide their roles on their own.
Political Empowerment of Kashmiri Women
The abrogation of Article 370 brought about legal changes, including gender-equal property rights and political reservations, encouraging women to step into leadership roles. The political landscape of Kashmir is gradually evolving, with women assuming leadership positions from grassroots governance to legislative roles.
Fatah Begum, an 80-year-old woman and Sarpanch of Amargarh village Sopore, shared her experience: “I was widowed at 17 with eight children, then worked as a laborer and sold milk to educate them. When the article got abrogated, which reserved 33% seats for women in the halqa panchayats, I got an opportunity to pursue my political ambitions.” She emphasized the importance of women’s education, rights, and duties, enabling her to be an agent of change, particularly in local governance.
“As a woman leader, I believe progress began in Kashmir with the active participation of women in politics. For decades, our voices were silenced, but now we are reclaiming our rightful place in decision-making. We can no longer be victims of conflict but rather changemakers, capable of shaping policies that prioritize peace, education, and empowerment,” said Arifa Begum, also known as Rifat, the first woman Sarpanch of Khumriyal, Kupwara, J&K.
Sarpanch Zaitano Begum from Waliwar Village in Ganderbal and Sarpanch Tahira from Kunan, Kupwara, have also embraced leadership roles., Compared to the 2014 elections, women’s participation has exhibited notable trends in both voter turnout and candidacy. Daisy Raina, one of the first few Pandit women in politics and a resident of Trichal, Pulwama, says, “I will work for the development of my nation and be an equal contributor.”
The abrogation of Article 370 also ensured the implementation of central laws for women’s political rights and reservations. Women’s political participation has become mandatory, leading to increased involvement in local body elections and District Development Councils (DDCs). The historical participation of women in elections has transformed into reality in the last few years.
Mission Shakti, with an aim to provide comprehensive support for women’s safety, security, and empowerment, has benefited more than 4,000 women. More than 20 ‘One Stop Centres’ have been established, and 70,000 women have benefited. National Commission for Women (NCW) programs, the Women Helpline (181), fast-track courts, stronger implementation of laws against harassment and discrimination, and awareness campaigns have all contributed to the rise of women as social and political influencers in the current Kashmir.
Today, Kashmiri women are journalists, writers, and political analysts, actively shaping public opinion on women’s rights in governance. As women in politics gain societal acceptance and policy support, many more are expected to take on leadership roles. Youth engagement and digital platforms will further empower young Kashmiri women to enter politics. The continued push for gender-sensitive policies by the central government will help shape a more inclusive political landscape.
Participation in politics by Kashmiri women, from Ward to Panch to Sarpanch to BDC, DDC, and the Assembly, represents the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and a long-standing desire of women to work for a new Kashmir with new hopes and expectations. The policies make them independent and assertive and enable them to contribute to the progress of society. Women have gained more opportunities to participate through reserved seats. More focus is needed on their broader political engagement and to ensure equal participation between men and women so that the notion of women relying on marriage for security is replaced with their potential and ability to be equal contributors to society.
The present focus should be on raising more awareness about the political power of women and the importance of women legislators. Highlighting inspirational women can encourage greater female participation in general elections. More schemes should be introduced for women’s reservations in Kashmir, expanding the political spectrum for women by establishing women-led organizations and women’s political parties and encouraging more involvement in the political process, including enhancing the reservation in seats from 33% to 50%. The same approach is needed in local elections, state legislative assemblies, and the Lok Sabha; campaigning and meetings are essential to spread the message.
The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views of BlueKraft Digital Foundation.
