Sheikh Mudasir
International Women’s Day is around the corner, on March 8. I feel happy to observe the rapid empowerment of Kashmiri women in the last few years.
A large number of affirmative and empowering initiatives have been taken by the UT Administration headed by Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and the Indian Army. These initiatives are enabling our sisters to become self-reliant and achieve their dreams.
Social Media Full Of Stories Of Women Empowerment
Kashmir society is ambitious and aspirational. Women want to be self-reliant and empowered.
Kashmir’s social media is full of stories every day of women who started a small venture with the help of a government scheme and then made it big.
Through the long years of terror before the abrogation of Article 370, a large percentage of women could not follow their dreams. The conflict had suffocated everything. But now, Kashmiri women are surging ahead with new dreams, new aspirations.
Kashmir’s Young Generation Is Surging Ahead
The conservative leanings of our society can present daunting challenges for Kashmiri women and girls. Even now, women who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s recount how they could not pursue their dreams because of the conservative attitude of the family. These women are resolute that they shall enable their daughters to choose the career of their choice and live an empowered life.
Fortunately, our young generation has access to far greater opportunities which enable them to shine and find their glory. Last year, the Indian Army organized the first Women’s Cricket League in collaboration with the UT Administration. Teams of girls from every district of Kashmir participated in the tournament. All costs were borne by the organizers. The girls were also given superb kits for the tournament.
The enthusiasm of all the cricketers was so touching. They were so full of high energy, so full of joy. They said they had never even dreamed that one day they would be able to participate in a women’s cricket tournament.
More importantly, the tournament gave them new dreams, it gave them wings to fly. Many of these budding cricketers said that they want to practice more and more so that one day, they can compete at the national level and play for India internationally.
Women’s Empowerment At The Grassroots
Now, women’s empowerment is happening at the grassroots in Kashmir. The UT Administration headed by Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha is implementing a large number of schemes offered by the government to enable women to be empowered and self-reliant.
In addition, the Army has trained women in many areas in diverse skills which can enable them to be self-reliant. A large number of women have benefitted from these initiatives and have got financially empowered.
Battling The Society’s Gender Biases
Even now, women have to battle entrenched ideas and prejudices in order to follow their dreams. Many young women say that while they had to listen to barbs and sarcasm of neighbours or the extended family when they chose to pursue their career, their hobby, or their passion.
Fortunately, they found some support through their parents, through their brother or through some family member so that they could move on the chosen path.
Shafiya Shafi is now a popular painter of Kashmir. When she was a teenager, she realized her gift for painting. She was trolled by society even for following such a gentle pursuit as painting. She was criticized, but she stood her ground and now earns well by pursuing her passion.
Mehak Khurshid of Salamabad in Uri battled our society’s gender biases and is a successful baker today. She has trained many Kashmiri women and girls in baking. Her journey has been full of challenges, but she overcame them all and has emerged as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and empowered world. She also founded her own NGO, ‘Safe Women Safe World’ – a testament to her commitment to a bright future for women.
RJ Samaniya Bhatt of Baramulla
RJ Samaniya Bhatt of Baramulla had to traverse a more difficult path. She is the second of three sisters. After their father fell ill, the responsibility of sustaining the family came upon her elder sister and her while they were still in their teens. Samaniya fortunately got a break as a Radio Jockey and was selected among 450 competitors. In her Josh Talk, Samaniya said she had to suffer character assassination because of her decision to be an RJ and work with Radio Chinar. She says she is viciously criticized even now, but she did not give up her chosen career.
If society can be tough with women who want to follow their passion, it must always be remembered that our women are also tough. They stand their ground, and they refuse to get cowered by those who seek to bully them. This is the reason more and more Kashmiri women are now striding forward with confidence and grit. This is Naya Kashmir, and they are building their life with confidence and hope.
(Sheikh Mudasir is the Director of Gaash Coaching Centre, which provides free education to poor children and orphans in Old Town Baramulla)
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