Women in Jammu and Kashmir have long been pushed to the margins of politics. For decades, their presence in the assembly remained negligible—zero representation before 1972 and barely a fraction thereafter. Even in the 2024 elections, only a handful of women secured seats out of 90, exposing a system that failed to reflect half its population.
The December 2023 amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act changes that reality. By reserving one-third of assembly seats—around 30—for women, it finally creates space where none existed. The provision includes SC and ST reserved seats and will take effect after the next census and delimitation. It is set for 15 years, with scope for extension.
This is an extension of what has already been tested at the grassroots. Since 2011, women have held one-third of seats in panchayats and local bodies, stepping into governance and addressing everyday issues. While challenges like proxy representation remain, the shift has been undeniable.
More women in the assembly will mean sharper focus on education, healthcare, safety, and social welfare. It also sends a clear signal—leadership is not reserved for men alone.
But laws alone won’t change the game. Political parties must offer genuine opportunities, not symbolic tickets. Society must allow women to lead without control or compromise.
Still, this step is long overdue. It opens the door to fair representation and a more balanced political system. When women lead, governance improves—for everyone.
