Opinion | Women as the Real Agents of Change

Campus Change-Makers: How Female Students Leading Gender Dialogues in Kashmir

Women in Kashmir have never simply been passive members of the society; they have long been a quiet yet powerful force and have provided meaningful contributions behind the scenes. Today they are claiming the stage as leaders, learners, and powerful agents of change. Young Kashmiri women are working and dreaming of a more equitable and inclusive future everywhere from universities to local communities

The pioneering women like Begum Zaffar the first Kashmiri woman to pass matriculation, and Mehmooda Ali, who was a powerful and widely known educationist, who dreamed, and paved the way, for women’s education in Kashmir. They were unwaveringly dedicated to the power of knowledge which allowed many young girls to learn, grow, and become.

Carrying this legacy forward, institutions such as the University of Kashmir are now at the forefront of women’s empowerment. The Centre for Women’s Studies and Research, which offers a Master’s program in Gender Studies, is equipping student’s particularly young women with the knowledge and tools to champion equality and drive social change. This program is not limited to academic theory; it encourages students to engage directly with communities through projects and outreach, ensuring they gain real-world experience.

These students have begun deeply meaningful conversations around women’s health, educational attainment, women’s safety, violence, prevention and equal opportunities. They engage in workshops, campaigns, and public dialogues that raise awareness and build broader cultures of inclusion and respect.

The change is more than academic and it is real impact. Advocate Barkat Kaur, for example, provides women experiencing domestic abuse with free legal aid. Her empathetic program has enabled many women to begin to seek redress and to reinstate their dignity. In a similar way, Mehvish Mushtaq is the first Kashmiri woman to produce an Android application. Mehvish’s application called Dial Kashmir, simply provides information at ease and proven that Kashmiri women can and are involved in technology.

In sports, young girls are making headlines too. Despite the advancement, there are still challenges. As per the 2011 Census of India, female literacy in Jammu and Kashmir was 56.43%, while that of males was 76.75%. This disparity points to the necessity for sustained efforts to provide equal access to education. In a positive sign, more and more girls are now attending schools and colleges, walking confidently into public and professional life.

Higher education institutions are establishing safe, inclusive environments where women students can succeed. They’re introducing programs that tackle major concerns like women’s rights, gender equality, health, and safety. These programs do more than teach they enable students to stand up, assume leadership positions, and become agents of change.

To bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), universities are offering digital literacy programs, mentorship opportunities, and scholarships tailored to female students.

These efforts are opening new career paths and helping young women achieve financial independence. Government initiatives are playing a crucial role as well. Schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and skill development programs are enabling girls across urban and rural Kashmir to access quality education and professional training.

In Kupwara, the community initiative Rah-e-Niswan trains women in embroidery and tailoring, helping them gain economic independence. In Budgam, a determined teenager, Insha Bashir, used the UMEED scheme to establish a flower nursery creating employment for herself and others, and showcasing entrepreneurial excellence.

Female students are also becoming more active in campus leadership, participating in college elections, student unions, and decision-making forums. Programs in women’s studies are nurturing them into capable, confident leaders who advocate for the needs of their peers. Many students are collaborating with NGOs, organizing awareness campaigns in villages, and educating women about their rights. These hands-on experiences are preparing them for careers in social work, governance, and public service.

The progress carries forward beyond classrooms. Students are mobilizing awareness drives on important topics such as menstrual hygiene, gender sensitivity, and mental health. By breaking long-standing taboos and encouraging open conversations, they are building stronger, more compassionate communities. Perhaps most inspiring is the sense of solidarity among these young women. They mentor and uplift one another, forming circles of support that extend from campuses to homes and neighborhoods. This spirit of unity is fueling a broader cultural transformation across Kashmir.

Under the leadership of Professor Nilofer Khan the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor the University of Kashmir has intensified its focus on gender sensitivity and equality. Women’s empowerment workshops have become regular features. A notable example is the two-day workshop organized in collaboration with the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), which provided counseling skills training to staff at Mahila Shakti Kendras. One Stop Centres (OSCs) extend all-round support to women who are victims of violence providing legal, medical, and counseling assistance. In Baramulla, almost 90% of cases of domestic violence were resolved through OSCs through counseling and legal assistance. Also, Women Special Cells at police stations provide a secure place where women can lodge complaints and access assistance promptly with care and concern.

These programs are equipping women not only to stand up for their rights, but to succeed. As more and more women emerge to lead, mentor, and take part in government, entire communities are experiencing change. Empowered women are uplifting others and becoming catalysts for progress.

The journey of the women of Kashmir from silent contributors to assertive decision-makers is a tale of hope and courage. The young girl students of today are not just looking for education but are building a future. Empowered by education, action, and solidarity, they are fashioning a society based on respect, dignity, and equal opportunities for all. These young women are making their voices heard, crossing boundaries, and leading with vision and empathy. They are the real agents of change in Kashmir, breaking the lights on a brighter, more equal tomorrow.

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