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The Government of India, on January 22, 2015, initiated the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign with an objective to rectify the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) decline and empower girls through education and awareness. The campaign has seen remarkable progress in the Kashmir valley over the last decade, bringing about significant enhancements in gender parity and the general status of women.
Many activities organized in places like Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Bandipora have contributed towards generating awareness against gender discrimination and with regards to women empowerment. Sensitization activities, speeches by government officials, and the recognition of the young female achievers have encouraged the community to gather in support of the effort. The observance of such events has provided a forum for debate regarding the plight of girls and the imperative to keep up efforts in their promotion of rights.
The BBBP campaign has also promoted intense community engagement. Through the involvement of religious leaders, local opinion shapers, and teachers, the campaign has been able to penetrate further into society, leaving lasting footprints. Activities carried out at the grassroots level have inspired families to send their daughters to school and fulfill their dreams. Such activities have emphasized the integral role of women and encouraged communities to endorse gender-inclusive policies.
The campaign has been very successful in creating role models that inspire the young girls to dream big. Tajamul Islam, the kickboxing champion from Bandipora, among many others, has become a prominent symbol of women’s empowerment in Kashmir. Her success has shattered the stereotypes and has proven that girls can achieve anything, provided that the right opportunities are offered to them. The BBBP campaign has helped the girls in breaking the barriers just by highlighting these success stories, inspiring many girls all around to pursue their dreams unshackled by the societal mold.
Similarly Stories Zara is a young girl from a conservative South Kashmir village and is the symbol of the immense change triggered by the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao(BBBP)initiative. She belongs to a family with conventional values and has had to face a number of obstacles in seeking education, particularly higher education, which was usually perceived as unwarranted or even unbecoming of girls.
But Zara’s determination and support by the BBBP campaign saw her defy these obstacles. She was the first woman from her village to pursue science studies, a traditionally science-oriented career. Zara’s case serves as an example to many of Kashmir’s girls who are being restricted by society and lack options due to patriarchal thinking.
Her journey was not easy. Zara not only had to combat her family’s initial denial but also had to fight social pressures that conditioned her to abandon studies for domestic chores. Nevertheless, her determination supplemented by the stimulus of studies in the form of educational incentives and scholarship provided under the BBBP program enabled her to continue education.
In Zara’s account, the true impact of the BBBP campaign is evident: it is not merely providing opportunities for education but about changing perceptions, breaking ingrained tradition, and empowering young women to create their own destinies.
Likewise, Mehmooda of Pulwama, who had always wished to be a teacher, was given financial assistance by BBBP and now teaches young girls in her village. Ayesha of Srinagar also fought against the wish of her family members who insisted that she marry rather than study. With a scholarship from BBBP, she became a lawyer and now encourages other girls. Shazia of Anantnag encountered opposition from her orthodox family but pursued studies with the support of BBBP. She is today an engineer and inspires girls to opt for science and technology as a career. Sajida of Baramulla was slated to marry young, but BBBP made her the first woman doctor in her village. She now manages health programs for women and children and inspires others to chase dreams.
In January 2025, National Girl Child Day was observed in several districts such as Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Bandipora. These celebrations were held to spread awareness regarding the significance of empowering girls and promoting an atmosphere that is free from gender discrimination. These activities included sensitization camps, speeches by authorities, and the felicitation of young female achievers. These efforts are part of the sustained initiatives in Kashmir to advance the rights and welfare of the girl child, as also envisioned by the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
Conclusion
The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme has ushered in a welcome change in Kashmir with education and equal opportunities to girls. A greater number of girls are in school, continuing their education longer, and acquiring skills for an improved future. Awareness camps, special events, and government support have contributed in altering traditional outlooks. Initiatives like pink vehicles for women’s safety and awareness processions indicate increased community involvement. Despite some issues still remaining, continuous efforts will create a better future for girls. With this campaign, Kashmiri girls are being given the chance to study, grow, and achieve their dreams.
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