Challenges and Prospects of Women's Political Empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir: A Critical Examination and Call to Action

Abstract

This study critically explores the issue of women's political empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, India, emphasizing the historical exclusion of women from political structures and the complex factors hindering their effective participation. It highlights the consequences of financial independence for women's dignity, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir where unemployment and widowhood are prevalent. The manuscript identifies barriers to women's empowerment, including limited decision-making power and cultural norms. Despite efforts, women's political participation remains largely rhetorical, with few female leaders gaining prominence. It calls for collective action to address gender disparity, stressing the urgency of women's empowerment for societal progress. The manuscript advocates for inclusive practices and systemic changes to ensure genuine empowerment and a more equitable political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.