Opinion | Women Rising in Jammu and Kashmir

Combating Violations and Empowering Lives through Initiatives Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Women in Jammu and Kashmir have historically experienced social discrimination, restricted opportunities, and gender violence. They had to live under repression, try to achieve education, and participate totally in economic and social life for years. But the Government of India and Union Territory administration have launched many schemes in recent years to safeguard women, empower them, and provide equality. These programs address not just safety but also education, financial autonomy, and consciousness. They collectively enable women to live with dignity, confidence, and freedom.

One of the strongest women’s safety and empowerment efforts is Mission Shakti. It is a national program that integrates protection, consciousness, and opportunity for women. Mission Shakti is divided into two segments Sambal, which is dedicated to safety and legal safeguarding, and Samarthya, which is concerned with education, skill development, and economic empowerment.

In Mission Shakti, District Empowerment Hubs for Women (DHEWs) have been set up in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir with the support of a State Empowerment Hub (HEW). The centres offer counselling, legal assistance, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training. To date, over 40,000 women have received self-defence training, leadership workshops, and vocational training. Mission Shakti is a robust link between government schemes and women at the grass-roots level, ensuring assistance reaches each deserving woman.

Women themselves experience a shift due to these schemes. They say: “We women and girls have struggled a lot, but since the schemes were initiated, we have experienced improvement. Now we can live freely, fulfill our dreams, and can support our families. These schemes have given us power we handle our own lives and also take care of our family duties. The girls are now studying and becoming confident.” This freedom reveals how lives in Jammu and Kashmir are being changed by government policies. Women now freely speak, make decisions, and motivate their families. They are earning for home and society and gaining confidence to pursue their goals.

Following Mission Shakti, the next life-altering program is Ladli Beti Scheme under the initiative of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme. It offers financial security for a girl from infancy until adulthood. The government sends ₹1,000 as a recurring deposit every month for every girl until she becomes 14 years old. The amount then turns into a term deposit and, when the girl is 21 years old, she receives a nearly ₹6.5 lakh via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Ever since its introduction, the Ladli Beti Scheme has expanded tremendously from approximately 16,000 recipients in 2017 to nearly 1.9 lakh girls during 2024-25.Funding has also risen from ₹24 crore to ₹100 crore, reflecting the government’s great emphasis on girl-child education and financial security.The Marriage Assistance Scheme provides additional support, having assisted over 1.04 lakh girls with ₹394 crore since 2015-16. These combined programmes postpone early marriage, promote education, and provide girls with autonomy in controlling their future.

To provide relief to women subjected to violence or abuse, the government has established One Stop Centres (OSCs) or Sakhi Centres. These centres provide medical assistance, legal services, psychological counseling, and short-term shelter under one umbrella. About 20 such centers are functioning actively in Jammu and Kashmir and have already assisted over 6,000 women. Campaigns are being conducted to reach out so that even women in far-flung villages are aware of where to seek help. For prompt access to help, Women Help Desks have been set up at police stations under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme. These are operated by trained officers who handle complaints with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Apart from this, 24 × 7 Women Helplines operate in a number of districts, enabling women to report crime or seek counselling at any point of time. These steps help in quick response, security, and confidence among women and law-enforcement agencies. Legal protection is also equally vital in the safety of women. Special Cells for Women have been established in police stations to counsel and advise them while lodging complaints. Sexual-offence and POCSO Act cases are tackled by Fast Track Special Courts, providing quick justice. Revival of the State Women’s Commission has also been suggested by many experts in Jammu and Kashmir so that the enforcement of women-centric laws and policies can be supervised more effectively.

Economic empowerment has become a powerful instrument of protection.

The J&K Women’s Development Corporation (JKWDC), UMEED (State Rural Livelihood Mission), and Tejaswini Scheme of Mission Youth J&K are motivating women to be entrepreneurs.They offer soft loans, training, and capital support for tailoring, handicraft, food processing, and other businesses.

These initiatives have given thousands of women the independence to manage their homes and contribute to the economy. Financial independence means women are able to make their own choices, receive an education, and live respectfully. Educational and awareness initiatives create greater strength in this development.

Mission Shakti, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Poshan Abhiyan campaigns disseminate awareness about women’s rights, gender equality, and the importance of girls’ education. They reach schools, panchayats, and rural areas, persuading parents to allow their daughters’ education and treat them as equal contributors to society. Over time, old myths are dissolving, and people are being taught that women empowerment is good for all.

The overall effect of all these schemes from Mission Shakti to Ladli Beti, from Sakhi Centres to Helplines is seen in Jammu and Kashmir. Women are more self-assured, better educated, and economically empowered. They are participating in community leadership, running households responsibly, and motivating other women to tread their path. The mind-set in society is changing; daughters are now considered pride, not burden. Jammu and Kashmir has actually achieved significant leaps in women’s protection and empowerment. Initiatives such as Mission Shakti, Ladli Beti, Sakhi Centres, and Women Help Desks not only deter violence but create opportunity, awareness, and respect. Women here today can study, work, dream, and live without fear.

They can manage their homes, care for their families, and work towards the development of their communities. With continued awareness, access, and commitment, the Union Territory is inching toward a future where all women will be able to live in dignity, self-confidence, and actual freedom.

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