Gender Equality is one of the essential ingredients in the path of development. For most of the impoverished regions deprived of a very significant source of human potential, the major reason is lack of gender equality and the reason being social practices, domestic violence, militancy and armed conflicts. The conflicting situation in Kashmir had a similar impact leading to abysmal social indices for women in all spheres of life.
Kashmir as a whole has been facing copious problems due to continued impact of militancy with women being the most vulnerable and badly hit section of the society in this region. The economic, social and political conditions of the state before Abrogation of Article 370 and 35 had contributed majorly towards gender discrimination. The state has witnessed low participation of women in political and socioeconomic processes. These kind of discrimination have embezzled their freedom to get education and employment opportunities, affecting their development and overall well-being.
Common Violence against Women in Kashmir: Pre Abrogation of Article 370 & Article 35
Ø Domestic Violence controlling their behaviour through fear.
Ø Traditional Practices violating their human rights.
Ø Violence by social and political parties prevailing at that time.
Challenges to Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality in Kashmir Ø Violence against women is on leaps and bounds in J&K. Ø Illiteracy or ignorance of people is also a constraint in the empowerment of women. Ø Girls in many districts of J&K still get married at an early age, which affect their overall development to a greater extent. Ø Lack of decision making authority. Ø Lack of women’s participation in political affairs. Ø Poor and low status of women. Ø Lack of awareness. Ø Inadequate and unorganized health care delivery system.
Gender Equality in Kashmir: Post Abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35
Abrogation of Article 370 has done the unshackling of the chains of bondage of women of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 and Article 35 prevented women of J&K who married non-residents from holding property in the state. In the era of heralding gender equality, the regressive article had to go with Indian state becoming the saviour of oppressed Kashmiri women. With the scrapping of the controversial Article 370 by Government of India on 05 Aug 2019, women in Kashmir would no longer be deprived of their property rights in Kashmir, if they get married to a non-resident. In addition to this, Article 35A also empowered the J&K government to decide who could be a permanent resident. Article 35A and Article 370, were strictly against the ethos of our constitution and the principles of justice, fraternity, liberty, equality that it espouses. Introduction of the Abrogation Bill conveyed a very strong message that, “Daughters of the state marrying outside the state lose their rights to property which is very discriminatory to the women and their children as well’’. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on August 8 2019, said, “The daughters of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the right that our daughters had in rest of the states.” It’s been more than one year since the abrogation of the Article 370 and there have been multitudinous stories where women from remotest of the areas have risen to fame.No doubt the grit and hard work of these female champions have been the major drivers of their success but it is also important to mention that scrapping of the Article 370 has allowed them greater and easy access to the opportunities and the resources to transcend in their fields. For the empowerment of women in Kashmir, Government of India has launched various schemes such as
Ø Condensed Course of Education for Adult Women.To cater for the needs of adult girls and women who were not able to join mainstream education system or were school dropouts.
Ø Family Counselling Centre.To provide counselling, referral and rehabilitative services to women victims who are in moral danger in the society or within family.
ØJanani Suraksha Yojana. Safe motherhood intervention.
ØScheme for Working Women Hostels. To promote availability of safe and conveniently located accommodations for working women.
ØSwayamsidha Scheme. A Self Help Group Based programme with emphasis on convergence activities.
ØEducation Loan to women beneficiaries.
ØMicro Credit Loan.
ØSher-I-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme.
Inclusive development cannot be attained unless women participate equally in the development process. Region like Kashmir face huge gender inequalities which have a direct bearing on their socio-economic development.Empowerment of women in Kashmir requires a sustained and strong commitment by stakeholders, a well-targeted utilization of resources and a favourable policy environment. For the overall development of this section, long term improvements are required in education and awareness opportunities. For the short term, significant progress can be achieved by expanding and strengthening essential awareness among masses about gender equality, improving policies and spreading favourable atmosphere for women.
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