Opinion | Kashmiri Women in the modern era.

The fair and favourable environment for women in Kashmir resulted in acceleration of their participation in different fields. Their contribution is much worth for the progress and development of the Kashmiri society.

No more curbs on the women. They are the heroines of the nation building. Their contribution in shaping the family, home and society is worth mentioning. Today our women are not confined within the four walls of the house. They are the leaders. Their rights and socio-economic participation in the society cant be denied. No doubt Insurgency and religious bigotry targeted womens the most and made their life restricted and haphazard. During the crisis, women have been denied from various independent activities, like acting, modelling, dancing and opting education outside state, opening business units, living life independently, taking part in politics, and choosing their professions. They face the challenges and made us proud in every sphere of life.
Nowadays, we see women taking part in every sphere of life. All this has become possible due to the strong efforts by the present government in eliminating radical ideologies in Kashmiri society. The government empowered women with full of honor and dignity and presently they are leading in the maximum sectors of society.
In Jammu and Kashmir, women constitute 47% and these days women are gleaming in every field. They are becoming doctors, engineers, advocates, teachers, political leaders, administrators, police officers and professionals and joining the Indian Defence Forces. Well-informed women play a significant role in the nation-building process. Their thoughts, ways of working and value systems lead to faster growth and development of society. And when women get empowered, stability in society is ensured.
Kashmir is blessed with saints and Sufis who have produced eminent personalities and shaped our community and culture ethos. The role of women has been evitable in the past as well. Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, and Ernimaal are unforgettable. These women are remembered and celebrated in Kashmir with high respect and regard. Insurgency stanched the role of women and their rights to leadership.
The fault lies not with Kashmiris, as it is a piece of pious land and resourceful, landlocked region that has experienced almost three decades of militancy which made women more venerable and victims. Post-abrogation gave birth to a fair and peaceful environment in Kashmir. It also eliminates threats and inferiority in the minds of women. The last few years also witnessed various opportunities for women and women to take a lead with success and contribute to peace, progress, and development.
Some girls want to join the army, had joined the police and are trying every profession. The much-awaited demand of women is fulfilled; women who participate in elections are representing Baramullah, Ganderbal and Shopian as DDC Chairperson. These brave women like Safeena Beigh, and Zahida Hamid have made tremendous efforts and are leading in decision-making at district levels. Not only in legislature but also proved their worth in UPS exams, the best example is ACP Dr. Ruveda Slam, Dr Sehrish IAS, DC Baramullah, Ulra Mir the only peace psychologist in the valley, Mevish Mushtaq a computer engineer who got Nari Shakti Purakar in 2018, Dr Shrmeen Mushtaq snow car Rally winner in 2018. From legislature to bureaucrat to modeling women and young girls are in no way backward and are toping at state, national and internal levels.
Farhana Bhat a young girl from Srinagar chooses acting as a profession and many more young girls won laurels not only at state, national but international levels. Kashmiri women sports persons not only represented J&K at the national level but have brought laurels to the country in the international arenas as well.
She became an inspiration for specially able persons not only in the valley but across the globe. Insha 27 years old from Beerwah is the current captain of the J&K wheelchair basketball women’s team and has been awarded by the sports minister of India, Kiran Rijiju, and the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council for her achievements. She represented India in the USA in March 2019; Insha has become a source of inspiration and an example of endurance and endeavor for those who want to take their life’s passion forward despite being wheelchair-bound or with other physical disabilities. Nadiya Nighat hailing from Rambagh Central Kashmir is the first-ever female football coach. Handwara girl Mehreen Banday brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by bagging gold in the 5th International Karate championship 2022 held at Visakhapatnam, Andra Pradesh.
Mehreen 18-years-old bagged gold in the international Karate Campion. Arifa Bilal first female power lifter of Kashmir hails from Kujjar Village Ganderbal. Various women, females and girls made our state proud. Tajamul Islam, a little angel of eleven years old is one of the gifts filled with bravery, perseverance and hope.

(Writer can be reached at :
vadaiekashmir@gmail.com)