By: Advocate Safa
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on November 25th each year, is a global call to action aimed at addressing and eradicating violence against women and girls. The theme for the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls! #No Excuse”. This theme emphasises the need for funding to prevent gender-based violence. The theme further aligns with the 2024 priority theme of the Commission on the Status of Women: “Accelerating Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls” by addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, and incorporating a gender perspective into financing. For the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the observance of this day takes on profound significance. Since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, the landscape of women’s rights in Jammu & Kashmir has undergone a transformative shift. Efforts are underway to ensure women have greater access to resources, representation, and protections than ever before. This article delves into the changes post-abrogation, highlighting the importance of this international day in the UT and how it aligns with the region’s commitment to empowering and safeguarding women. Jammu & Kashmir, a region that has long endured periods of social upheaval, is now witnessing a transformative shift in the landscape of women’s rights. Before the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, restrictive legal frameworks unintentionally made women more vulnerable to violence and limited their access to resources. The removal of these provisions in 2019 has restored women’s rights regarding property and inheritance, and opened doors for stronger legal protections and support systems. This shift aligns with the objectives of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, setting a foundation to systematically reduce and eventually eliminate violence against women in the UT.
Recent data indicates a positive shift in the empowerment and protection of women in Jammu & Kashmir post-abrogation, one significant indicator of this empowerment is the increase in reporting of domestic violence and harassment. In 2020 alone, the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered over 1,500 cases related to violence against women, a clear demonstration that women now feel more empowered to seek justice. The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has reported a higher intake of women-centred cases, with over 1,800 cases filed in 2021 concerning property rights and domestic violence. This rise in legal recourse is a positive sign that the justice system is becoming more responsive to women’s issues. Increased Women in Workforce. The female workforce participation rate has seen a modest yet encouraging rise. With women having better access to property ownership and economic independence, the trend indicates a slow but steady movement toward greater autonomy.
Post-abrogation, Jammu & Kashmir is now subject to the same legal provisions for women as the rest of India, ensuring a uniform framework for justice and protection. The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 and Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, both critical in protecting women from abuse, are now enforceable in the UT. With the extension of the Prevention of Child Marriage Act and Maternity Benefit Act in the region, women are safeguarded from forced unions and discrimination in the workplace, respectively. Moreover, Jammu and Kashmir now have dedicated One Stop Centres in each district that provide crisis intervention and counselling for women. These centres are safe havens where women can access legal advice, medical care, and emotional support. Additionally, women’s police stations and helplines have been established across the UT, making it easier for women to report cases of violence and seek immediate assistance.
Economic independence is a crucial factor in reducing domestic violence, as it equips women with financial means to escape abusive situations. To this end, the Jammu & Kashmir government has played a significant role in empowering women through various schemes. These include financial literacy programs, skill development, and entrepreneurship initiatives. Programs like the Tejaswini Scheme encourage young women to start their businesses, while initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme offer financial assistance to women-run startups. Data from the J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission suggests that over 4,500 women have started small enterprises across various sectors, from handicrafts to tourism, since 2019. This independence fosters a sense of self-worth and makes women less vulnerable to economic dependency and, by extension, to abuse. The proactive role of the Jammu & Kashmir government in empowering women can serve as a model for other policymakers, inspiring them to take similar actions in their regions.
Education has always been a powerful tool for transformation, and Jammu and Kashmir’s focus on educational access for girls and women has seen noteworthy improvements. Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, female literacy rates in the UT are rising, with schools in even the remotest areas equipped to support girls’ education. The PM Ujjwala Yojana and other housing schemes have made lives more accessible for women in rural communities by reducing their burden of household chores and allowing more time for education and self-development. With educated women more aware of their rights and with improved access to information, cases of domestic violence are being addressed more readily, which in turn is creating a safer, more equitable environment for future generations of women. Education is not only a means of empowerment for women, but also a key factor in changing social norms and promoting gender equality.
Changing deeply ingrained social norms is challenging, but awareness campaigns and community involvement have been instrumental in promoting respect and equality for women in Jammu & Kashmir. Civil society organisations have initiated campaigns to educate people about gender-based violence, bringing issues that were previously stigmatised into the open. For example, the National Commission for Women (NCW) organised several outreach programs in Kashmir Valley and Jammu to educate women about their rights, helplines, and support services. Local religious and community leaders are now engaged in spreading awareness against domestic violence and promoting gender equality. Importantly, these initiatives also involve men, encouraging them to be allies in the fight against violence. By facilitating dialogue and understanding, such initiatives are breaking the silence surrounding violence against women and promoting a more harmonious society.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is not merely symbolic; it is a platform to evaluate progress, raise awareness, and inspire continued action. For Jammu & Kashmir, the significance of this day is profound. It brings global attention to the need for reform, underscores the importance of protecting women’s rights, and showcases the advances made in the UT. As more local voices champion the cause of women’s safety, Jammu and Kashmir has become a case study of progress and resilience. With every story of a woman stepping forward and a community working together to protect and uplift its women, Jammu and Kashmir are rewriting their narrative as a place of opportunity, equality, and safety.
The post-abrogation period in Jammu and Kashmir has brought a renewed commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. The path to eliminating violence against women is long and challenging, but Jammu and Kashmir’s steps forward are a testament to its dedication. Women now have a stronger voice, better access to resources, and a supportive framework to protect their rights. Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is more than an annual event for the Union Territory; it is a celebration of progress, a commitment to safeguarding the future, and a pledge to continue this journey towards a safe, empowered, and inclusive Jammu & Kashmir.
