WOMEN AS AN AGENT OF PEACE IN KASHMIR CONFLICT; A GENDERED PERSPECTIVE
WOMEN AS AN AGENT OF PEACE IN KASHMIR CONFLICT; A GENDERED PERSPECTIVE
INTRODUCTION:
The conflict in Kashmir is one of the world’s protracted conflicts that has been the cause and consequence of widespread misery, violence, and instability in the region. Women have frequently been ignored as crucial peacemakers amidst the chaos and the narrative of conflict resolution that is predominately male-dominated. Even though numerous studies have shown the Kashmiri women as victims their role in peace-building initiatives and activities has been largely neglected. As we delve into the narrative of women as agents of peace in the Kashmir conflict, it is essential to challenge the traditional narratives that often depict women merely as victims. Instead, we shall explore their agency and their potential to become pivotal actors in forging a future where peace, equity, and justice prevail in the Kashmir region.
From a gendered perspective, this research article examines the major role that women play in Kashmir's environment of peace-building and conflict resolution. Despite their significant experiences with violence, loss, and displacement as a result of the conflict, women's perspectives and contributions have historically been underrepresented in peace efforts. However, an emerging body of research and experiences from other conflict zones worldwide reveal that women can play a crucial role in transforming conflict dynamics and building sustainable peace. The purpose of writing this article is to highlight that many innocent women are getting maimed and killed but the struggles they fight at other fronts are unheard.
HYPOTHESIS:
The hypothesis centers on the idea that women's significant contributions to peacebuilding often remain unseen due to a predominant focus on their victimhood. By shifting the research focus to explore women's active agency and uncovering the pivotal role they play in conflict resolution and fostering reconciliation.
BACKGROUND OF KASHMIR CONFLICT: ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN (POST 2019)
ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370 & ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN:
Women in Kashmir are facing persisting misogyny daily. One of the arguments by the Indian government while scraping Article 370 was that it would lead to gender equality and uplift women in Muslim-majority regions. But later on, a politician from an Indian political party gave a sexist statement that ‘Indian men can have Kashmiri brides now”. Such misogyny was spread on social media with a popular phrase “How to marry Kashmiri women?” on Google. This way the women in Kashmir are exoticized and objectified by developing a sense of fear and intimidation among them. Another issue that demands consideration is the government disbanding the Women’s Commission Cell in Srinagar. The Women’s Commission Cell along with the 6 other commissions including those dealing with human rights, and rights to information (RTI) were disbanded overnight leaving many cases unattended. By abolishing this cell, many women who were in hope for justice are left neglected and abandoned now. These factors demoralize and raise trauma representing them as victims. The current mindset among women must be transformed; they should assert themselves to safeguard their moral principles and rights.
IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC – RISE IN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE:
The COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on the physical and mental health of the Kashmiri women as the epidemic hit the region at a time when the valley was already grappling with a great measure of uncertainty and hardships after India abrogated articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution that guaranteed special status to Kashmir. One of the biggest issues was a rise in gender-based violence against Kashmiri women. Women have been imprisoned with their abusers due to the protracted lockdown and limits on travel, as well as the problem of communication blockade, and have little or no access to mobile clinics, counseling services, and platforms to protest. Since the Women's Commission was closed in August 2019, victims
of domestic violence had no longer any hope of justice. According to the government social welfare department during lockdown 16 cases of rape and molestations were reported. Furthermore, living in a conflict environment for a long time has caused psychological effect on Kashmiri women. According to a survey 50% women in Kashmir are suffering from depression as compared to 37% men. In this case, Covid 19 pandemic had worsen the mental health as these women neither like rest of the world can as they have been unable to acquire knowledge about how to resist the virus, nor have they been able to communicate with loved ones in faraway locations, adding to their worry and distress.
VICTIM’S STATEMENT:
During this time, Ameena Jan, 30, was expecting her third child. She couldn't go to hospitals for routine checkups. Ameena was told her child had foetal damage because the umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck while she was in the womb, causing difficulties that left her child quite weak when she was delivered earlier this year. “This is all because of the curfews and restrictions," Ameena explained “.
“If I could go to the hospital regularly, my baby would have been healthier and normal, just like every other child.”
WOMEN’S ROLE IN KASHMIR CONFLICT:
THE BRAVE FACE OF KASHMIRI WOMEN:
PARVEENA AHANGAR - The Iron Lady of Kashmir is the chairperson of the “Association of Parents of Disappeared People (APDP)” working for the search of disappeared people in Jammu and Kashmir. Ahangar was a 30-year old young woman when her son was disappeared from his cousin’s house while he was studying. In order to find him she knocked the doors of politicians, administrators and other influential bodies but it was all in vain. The struggle to find her missing son led her meeting so many other individuals like her who were looking for their lost kin. She said “When a person is martyred or killed at least we see the body, touch it and there is an emotional end that the person is no more. But when a person disappears it is very hard to live with the longing. The thoughts pierce your heart every day. You keep thinking what happened to him, is he alive? And these all thoughts are unending,” She won the Rafto Prize for Human Rights in 2017 for her “protests against enforced disappearances” and for demanding justice for victims of violence in Jammu and Kashmir. She was named to the BBC 100 Women list for 2019, which includes 100 influential women from around the world.
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IMPACTS ON WOMEN- A MALE DOMINANT SOCIETY:
In a male-dominated world where women give up on their ambitions due to family and society pressure, there are some brave examples like Huriyah. She protests graffiti lines a wall surrounding a government building in Srinagar. Graffiti, protest art in the style of English artist Bansky, and independence slogans are commonly sprayed on the wall. Authorities in Srinagar paint over the graffiti on a regular basis, but Huriyah returns with her paper stencils and spray paint to cover it with fresh designs: Azadi means "freedom" in Kashmiri. While activists like Huriyah are fighting Indian tyranny and violence in Kashmir, they are also battling traditional gender norms at home. She stated "In male-dominated societies like ours, women usually give up their dreams and suffer in silence," she explained. "But I chose not to do so."
WOMEN - AS AN AGENT OF PEACE:
STRATEGIES USED BY WOMEN TO PROMOTE PEACE & DIALOGUE:
Women in Kashmir have been facing many challenges. They have been challenging the traditional gender roles and societal pressure. Keeping in view the Association of Parents of Disappeared People (APDP) are led by these women often mothers, wives, daughters, sister who have transformed their grief into a powerful force for accountability. Through their active role they are raising voice for the ones who have chosen the path of silence being frightened. But these Kashmiri women are challenging the silence surrounding enforced disappearances and advocate for justice through their agency. Other than this, women in Kashmir have initiated the process of dialogue among their communities.
They now know the power of these
initiatives as through this they have changed the narrative of silence and
marginalization, asserting their agency to shape the discourse around the conflict.
A group name “Sangbaaz” who use street art as a form of protest and
expression against illegal acts. This artistic activism not only raises
awareness but also offers an alternative narrative, which highlights women’s
role as an agent of peace in Kashmir conflict.
CHANGING NARRATIVE FROM VICTIMS TO AGENT OF PEACE:
It has become clear that women in
Kashmir are active peacemakers rather than passive victims. Women in Kashmir
who have lost family members in the conflict regularly experience economic
struggle and social disgrace. Despite these difficulties, some widows have
formed collectives to help one another and engage in revenue-generating
enterprises. By strengthening their resources and standing up for their rights,
these women show that they have the agency to overcome obstacles, question
social conventions, and fight toward lasting peace.
CONCEPTUALIZING THE WOMEN’S RESILLIENCE IN FACE OF KASHMIR CONFLICT:
The women in Kashmir have faced a lot and fought against all odds. But resilience and empowerment are interrelated. Empowerment enhances resilience and empowerment needs internal and external support both. Women of the Valley are resilient but more because inherent hardship being faced by them rather than measures taken by the system for their empowerment.
CONCLUSION:
Women's attempts to establish peace in Kashmir are exceptional and inspiring. The conflict has impacted women in many ways as victims, survivors and peacemakers. They had participated in conflict, such as by supporting the militant movement, protesting against the Indian state, establishing an all-women separatist group, and engaging in acts of resistance and disobedience. Nonetheless, women have played an important part in Kashmir's peace and reconciliation initiatives, including as organizing talks, developing networks and alliances, giving humanitarian help, campaigning for human rights and justice, and preaching nonviolence and cooperation. Women have demonstrated their potential to contribute to peace, but their efforts are usually hindered by gender discrimination, lack of resources and prohibition from decision making processes. Recognizing and overcoming these barriers is critical for maximizing the good influence of women as peacemakers. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, emphasize the significance of women's engagement in peace and security activities. Their contributions have illuminated the path to a more inclusive and stable Kashmir, reminding us that sustainable peace requires the active participation and leadership of women at every level of society.
Written By :Aneeqa Amir
REFERENCES:
References
Bhat, R. A. (2017). The Role of Women in Kashmir politics – from ‘Just Peace’ to Confrontational Politics. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies (IJIMS),, 4.
Naves, M. C. (2021, October). Opinion Page. Retrieved from https://ideas4development.org/: https://ideas4development.org/en/women-agents-peace/
Shekhawat, S. (2014). Gender, Conflict and Peace in Kashmir. Cambridge University Press, 10.
Singh, Z. R. (2021, September). Article. Retrieved from ipcs.org: http://www.ipcs.org/comm_select.php?articleNo=5786
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