A lot of water has flown in Jhelum/Vitasta, since Habba Khatoon was freely inciting the romantic poetry about her love for her husband Yousuf Shah in Gurez. Now the women's expressions are chained in both virtuality and reality. Before the foreign invasion of this male centric society, Kashmir was conspicuous matriarchal society. Historically, women in Kashmir have been a crucial ingredient in the aroma of the artistic culture of Kashmir to include the likes of Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon to name a few in the famous list whose contribution to arts and culture defined the splendid epoch of the valley. But now we see, the women folk of the society is either ignorant or suppressed or denied the representation which they deserved. With a lens when we see , various reasons that comes in front can be foreign invasion that was prevalent since 13th century or very late dictum given by the extremist to abide by the certain norms which are now redundant but forced.
While the United States is still working to elect its first female President in 2022, Kashmir had its first queen, Didda, the Warrior Queen, reigned over the valley in 980AD. This demonstrates the people of the land's progressive thinking and acceptance. Women were held in great regard by men in all parts of society during this period. Lalleshwari, also known as Lal Ded, is a well-known Kashmiri sage who wrote mystic poetry soon before the first foreign invasion in the 13th century. She was revered as a religious figure by practically all of the valley's faiths. Her teachings were well-known in the former Pandrenthan, which is today known as Srinagar. This demonstrates how women were held in high regard.
Kota Rani, the last monarch of the Hindu Lohara dynasty in Kashmir until she was deposed by Shah Mir in 1339AD, is an important figure in Kashmiri women's history. She was a powerful queen who not only safeguarded the valley but also helped it grow in terms of planning and administration. All of these examples demonstrate that the society was brimming with female leaders. During 13th century, the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir had come to the Valley, overthrowing the Hindu dynasty in the Valley, since then it’s a downhill move. Sikander shah famously known as Butshikan who enacted sharia law prohibiting education and representation to Women, in Jammu region women were still relatively free in their life but women in Kashmir were subjected to various draconian dictum proscribed by the invaders.
The Shamsabari and Pir Panjal ranges divide the region not only in terms of geography and demography, but also in terms of fate and destiny. After Mir Hamadani, Kashmir was forced to adopt a new identity that was Islamic in essence. Many were coerced to convert by religious romanticism, and others who resisted were converted by swords. Modern Islam, also known as Sufism, was still tolerable, allowing for women's representation in society. Habba Khatoon was well-known in Kashmir Valley at the time. However, the situation was bleak inside.
The biggest opposition came from JeI's local section. It became ingrained in Kashmiri culture, and women who used to control the valley were forced to wear burqas and hijabs. They were confined to the confines of their homes, and many unspoken sharia regulations were enforced. Women were subjected to horrible acts perpetrated by Pakistani raiders in 1947, which shattered the trust of women in the valley. Even after Kashmir joined India, the situation for women remained dire. Political greed in Articles 370 and 35A robbed women of their right to self-determination and marriage freedom.
The central law did not apply to J&K, so various women-centric laws and welfare systems did not apply in Kashmir. The "Beti Bacho and Beti Padhao" campaign was unheard of in the valley. Due to the lack of law, various reserved seats for women were not used either. There were also no "Aganwari" schemes. This contributed to the increased plight of women in Kashmir.
Post Constitutional amendment and abrogation of Article 370 on 05 Aug 2019, various central scheme are now applicable to the valley. Right to property to a girl child who marries outside J&K is one of the most significant one. Today, the valley has top performers in all segments and all age groups. In the last decade many glass ceilings have been broken by the women in Kashmir. Tajamul Islam, Nadiya Nighat, Iqra Rasool, Ishrat Akhtar for sports, Mevish Zargar as an entrepreneur, ACP Ruveda Alam, IPS, Sami Ara Surury, the first Kashmiri to fly a commercial aircraft, the famous computer engineer, etc. Sanna Irsad Mattoo winning Pulitzers prize recently. Aliya Farooq, the first certified fitness trainer in old Srinagar breaking all kinds of stereotype and imparting training to the interested women in the gym. Sadia Tariq winning Gold in 2nd Junior National Championship in Wushus. These examples are very few, but every women in the Valley is striving hard to break free the societal shackles and set themselves free.
There are only a few names that lead the flames of hope from the valley. These remote areas have benefited significantly as the situation in remote areas has improved post ceasefire agreement, and girls in these areas now have fair access to all programs and welfare programs launched by the government. The success of the above girls has brought many opportunities to other girls in the valley. Their parents supporting to the extent going against the wish realize their dreams. Now the responsibility lies with the administration that they identify talents in all areas of every part of the valley and help them with a platform to introduce them to the world. After that, climbing the ladder is based on self-confidence.
Women empowerment is not only essential to combat extremism but is an instrumental stratagem to break the “cycle of violence”. Therefore, women-centric activities needed to be promoted, efforts have been made to hear voice of women in the public sphere, and empowerment has been paved to play an important role in the social upliftment. Women of the house, once empowered will not only take care of the family but will also ensure that they stay on the path of humanity and progress.
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