As International Women’s Day dawns, Jammu and Kashmir stands at a crossroads. Women, nearly half the population, remain shadows in the region’s political arena—vital to society yet voiceless in the Assembly and Parliament. The demand for 33% reservation isn’t a plea for favor; it’s a call to fix a fractured democracy.
For too long, structural barriers have eclipsed capable women, relegating their influence to grassroots struggles while legislative halls echo with male dominance. This isn’t a talent deficit—it’s a systemic failure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, has a golden chance to act. Post-Article 370, J&K’s democratic reboot demands inclusion, and women’s representation is non-negotiable. Global evidence is stark: nations thrive when women govern alongside men, crafting sharper policies and saner priorities.
Reservation isn’t charity—it’s justice, a lever to pry open doors long bolted shut. Empowering women in J&K’s legislatures won’t just balance the scales; it will ignite a legacy of leadership for generations. The PM’s promises ring hollow without this step. On this Women’s Day, rhetoric must yield to results—33% now, or democracy stays half-built.
