A tribute to the Resilience of Kashmiri Women
Maryam’s Heart pounded against her ribs and she nervously clutched the book she was reading. The fresh morning air was carrying a distant smell of conflict that was reminding her of the chronic danger in her conflicted homeland, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She stood up and started walking towards the makeshift school, but unfortunately, the weight of this harsh reality has settled heavy on her young shoulders.
Education is a basic right of every girl and boy but it is even a more precious commodity for the young girls of this conflict-ridden zone. Girls like Maryam often faces the brunt of violence and their dreams are sacrificed every day and night at the altar of fear and violence. Still, they dare to dream and their quest for knowledge and freedom shines bright despite the surrounding darkness of occupation.
Maryam’s life is not easy as the constant fear of violence looms around her, casting a shadow of oppression over every single step she takes for her rights and freedom. The poor and almost inaccessible medical facilities in IIOJK left her vulnerable to disease, further compromising her education. However, she remains consistent, as her determination is fueled by a hope of a bright and free future for herself as we as for her entire community.
Maryam here symbolizes every young girl in Indian Illegally Occupies Jammu and Kashmir. Every other woman in this region faces similar challenges, where their rights are snatched and their voices are silenced. These women struggle with limited economic opportunities, restricted mobility due to Indian oppression and the indistinguishable burns of psychological trauma caused by the ongoing brutalities in the region.
Every year we observe International Women’s Day with a specific theme on March 8th, to celebrate and highlight the rights of Women all around the World. This year, the Women’s Day carries a powerful theme of “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This theme highlights the important role women plays in driving societal achievements. But unfortunately, there are many women around the World that struggles even for their basic rights and achieving success for them is an uphill battle due to oppression and human right violations as we see in the case of women of occupied Kashmir.
This year, on 8th March, it is very critical to shed light on the plight of women in IIOJK. The theme of Women’s Day this year even takes a profound significance when we consider it in the context of occupied Kashmir. It urges us to acknowledge the immense potential that lies in the Kashmiri women that is sadly oppressed by the harsh realities of human rights violations. The global discourse always focuses on the progress and empowerment of women but they often forget about the women of IIOJK. They are living examples of discrimination and oppression
The presence of Indian occupational forces is the main cause of vioalence against women. They harass, sexually assault, and abuse them. There are number of reports and documents that are available online that highlight the but they are all in vein, the justice remains denied for these innocent women.
Different reports have highlighted the impact of the conflict on Kashmiri women, including a significant number reportedly experiencing violence, loss, and harassment by the Indian Occupational forces. 22,973 Kashmiri women have been widowed, and 11,263 Women gang-raped / Molested since 1989.
Yet, the tales of Kashmiri women are intertwined with the pearls of courage and determination. Every day they walk through a life that is stained by violence. They have a very limited access to healthcare and education also; they are facing extreme economic disparity. They are living under the dark clouds of the threats of sexual assault. This entire situation has restricted their daily activities and participation in public life.
Despite these challenges, their spirit remains unshackled and Kashmiri women have become a symbol of bravery. They are the pillars of resilience against the Indian oppression, supporting their family and community and playing a pivotal role in sustaining livelihood and fostering peace for an uncaged tomorrow. Kashmiri women are educator, artists, and activists; living for a cause of free Kashmir, a Kashmir where people can live a life of their choice without any oppression.
As per this year’s theme, investing in Kashmir women is not just a mere act of solidarity, but it is a strategic investment for achieving an enduring peace and freedom of IIOJK. When the World will ensure their security and safety, they will create an environment for them to grow and contribute to the society. Equipping them with education and skills will help to break the chains of oppression. By giving them, the access to healthcare services will not only provide in their physical well-being but will empower them to make conversant decision about their lives and right to self-determination.
In the end, investing in women is also not about only fulfilling their right; in fact, it is also about unveiling their potentials and skills to become the cause of change. As far as the women of IIOJK are concerned, ensuring their safety, security, and allowing them to get education will unlock the road to a more peaceful and prosperous future of the entire region.
On this International Women’s Day, let us not forget all the Maryam’s of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the strong women who are fighting for their rights in an oppressed environment. Let us make sure to invest in their well-being and empower their voices. Let’s strive for a future where every single woman of IIOJK can life a free life, a life of their own choice according to their right to self determination.
About Writer: Ms. Aleena Zafar currently working as Research Officer at YFK
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