Darakshan Hassan Bhat, Speaker at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and President of the Kashmir Women’s Organisation (KWO), highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir during her recent address at the UNHRC in Geneva. Bhat, with a background in gender studies and field experience in Kashmir, discussed progress and challenges faced by women in the region. She focused on various indicators like education, political participation, economic engagement, agriculture, healthcare, and digital empowerment.
Bhat noted the increasing digital engagement of women in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to new economic opportunities. While acknowledging the blurring of traditional gender roles, she highlighted that employment opportunities are still gendered, with societal perceptions hindering women from certain professions. Bhat emphasized the importance of changing societal mindsets, encouraging youth to explore diverse career paths beyond government jobs.
Addressing the challenges faced by women, Bhat differentiated between “concrete” issues like access to justice and government support, and “abstract” issues arising from societal restrictions. She stressed the significance of platforms like the UNHRC in shaping global perceptions of Kashmir and advocating for human rights. Bhat expressed hope for international support in addressing gender disparities and empowering women in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts at all levels for inclusive growth and equal opportunities.
