The development of any society requires the participation of all its citizens. In today’s world, women are not restricted by their old roles. Women participate in education, business, politics, science, media, entrepreneurship and in many other spheres of public life. They make society strong, stimulate inclusive development and make Viksit Bharat a reality. The same process is happening in Kashmir where more and more women are making contributions in different professional spheres.
Representation is much more than visibility and refers to active participation in the formation of ideas and the decision-making process. Women participating in the media, in the policy-making process and in public discourse bring new ideas, raise new issues and provide for the development of balanced and realistic solutions.
The media has an important role in influencing public opinion. It shapes people’s perception of contemporary issues, social problems and development. Hence, the involvement of women in journalism becomes particularly crucial. Empathy and depth become their features when women journalists cover topics such as education, health care, women’s empowerment, children’s welfare, entrepreneurship and community development.
There are many talented and skilled women journalists in Kashmir who contribute to the media sphere greatly. One of them is Faza Zainab, the Editor-in-Chief of the Asian News Hub. She has received awards for covering topics of governance, humanitarian activities and social issues professionally. With other talented women journalists of the region, she helps create an unbiased image of Kashmir, presenting its successes and cultural heritage.
Thanks to the development of digital media and journalism, many Kashmiri women have gained a chance to express themselves and spread their voice through different social media. Writers, bloggers, content producers and social media influencers talk about culture, tourism, education, entrepreneurship and the talented people of Kashmir. This breaks existing stereotypes, shows the real image of Kashmir and motivates young girls to be confident in using the digital environment for various purposes.
The other aspect which is as significant as that discussed above is the involvement of women in governance and policymaking. The matters related to education, health care, labour market and social policy concern everybody. In case women take part in decision-making, they ensure that the issues will be taken into consideration.
One such leader who managed to combine all the skills mentioned above is Dr Shafia Wani, the famous social activist, development expert and Assistant Professor at Jammu & Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD), Srinagar. With over sixteen years of experience in rural development, child rights and gender empowerment, she illustrates how research, public administration and community mobilization can be helpful for making the lives of the people better.
Research is yet another area where inclusivity is highly important. They research various social problems, identify any loopholes and suggest ways to solve them. Women academicians have been making significant contributions in fields such as education, health care, economic development, environment, gender equality and rural development. These help to give directions to policy makers, academia and non-governmental organizations.
Public discourse is also equally important in a democracy. The open discussion leads to enlightened citizens. Through various means like seminars, discussions, academic conferences and interaction with the community, women of Kashmir have been engaging themselves and sharing their ideas and raising their voice for many issues that influence society. It helps them develop as individuals but also motivates others to become responsible and informed citizens.
The increased involvement of women in these fields is making a positive difference in Kashmir already. More and more women are getting educated, establishing their careers, setting up their own businesses, and actively engaging in politics. This inspires the new generation to follow suit and prove through their efforts that determination, intelligence, and work can help them overcome any barriers.
Nevertheless, some problems still persist, and they should be taken care of. The stereotypes, discrimination, lack of opportunities and inability to become leaders are among those. However, they can be dealt with and eliminated only when every woman gets the opportunity to get a good education, develop skills, learn how to use modern technologies and have an equal chance at everything she wants.
The future of Kashmir depends on its youth, and women will definitely play an important role in it. They have to contribute to the media, governance, science and society discussions in order not only to make their position stronger but also to make the decision-making process better and more efficient.
With the concept of Viksit Bharat becoming the dream, Kashmiri women are becoming equal partners in India’s journey. With their thoughts, leadership, innovations, and public service, Kashmiri women are writing narratives and making decisions that can help their communities flourish further. More opportunities and representation for them can help Kashmir become a more productive region for India.
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