Darakshan Hassan Bhat
Women’s reservation in legislation is not a concession or a special package given out of kindness; it is, in fact, a policy that gives women more power and encourages them to get involved. The real goal is to make it easier for women to get into positions of power and encourage others to do the same. Participation leads to more participation, and only by including everyone can we work towards equal representation, which is necessary for a nation to grow and develop in a balanced way.
Reservation has been a topic of contention. Critics say it hurts merit, but supporters say it is a necessary form of positive discrimination. But when it comes to women’s representation in politics, the discussion needs to go beyond the simple idea of merit versus privilege. It’s not just about ability; it’s also about access, opportunity, and getting rid of long-standing structural barriers.
This conversation is even more important when you think about Kashmir. Women from Kashmir have always shown incredible strength and resilience. They have become mentally strong, adaptable, and brave over the years because of the instability in their place. When the situation has called for responsibility, Kashmiri women have rarely backed down.
The history of Kashmir shows how strong they are. During the years of unrest in the valley, women were put in roles they rarely expected to be in. The painful rise of the term “half-widows” to describe women whose husbands have gone missing, leaving them in a state of legal and emotional limbo, is a reality that few societies have had to deal with. There are also a lot of single mothers who lost their husbands to violence and unrest but chose to rebuild their lives around their children’s education and future. Some daughters have stepped up to help their aging parents after losing brothers or male family members. They often take on tasks that are usually given to men.
These stories are not just one-off events; they are part of a larger story of strength. Kashmiri women have shown that they can lead, manage, and keep things going in every area of life, including family, community, and business. Their lived experiences have given them a unique perspective on conflict, survival, and social cohesion. If being a leader means being able to bounce back, feel for others, and make decisions when things are tough, then Kashmiri women have already shown that they have these traits in spades.
But even though they are clearly capable, they still don’t have much of a voice in formal politics. This is where the 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies really matters. The issue is not the competence of women, but rather whether they have received equitable opportunities for participation.
The reason for such a reservation is right here. It’s not about taking away merit; it’s about fixing historical wrongs. In societies like ours, such as Kashmir, women often find themselves in a paradox. They are revered as symbols of purity, sacrifice, and honor, and on the other hand, they are raised to a divine level. They are still very vulnerable to social pressures and limits, though. The same society that calls a woman “devi” or a way to spiritual fulfillment often puts limits on her freedom.
Fear has a big impact on the decisions women make. Women may have to give up their careers, dreams, and public roles because they are afraid of harassment, character assassination, and social judgment. One rumor or accusation can be enough to make a woman leave public life. Because of this weakness, many women have to think a lot before they make decisions that men might make without thinking.
So, political reservation works as a way to protect and help people. It sets up a structured way for women to get involved in politics, so they aren’t left out because of societal biases. It makes it normal for them to be in charge, which slowly changes how people think about them. When women are seen debating policies, making laws, and representing their constituents, it changes what society expects of them and inspires younger generations.
The Women’s Reservation Bill will be put into effect by the 2029 elections, after the delimitation and census processes are finished. This is a historic moment in India’s democratic journey. It means even more for women in Kashmir.
It shows that they have fought hard, are strong, and could make a real difference in government. This step is not only about getting more people; it’s also about changing the stories. It shows that people are starting to see women as active policymakers instead of just passive recipients of policies. It gives a voice to people who have been ignored in the legislative process for a long time, people who know the needs of their communities, the problems they face, and the realities of life on the ground.
At this point, the idea of Nari Shakti Vandan is very important. The name of the law, the Nari Shakti VandanAdhiniyam, is a symbol. It is not just a change in the law; it is a national recognition and greeting of the strength, resilience, and contributions of women. It understands that giving women power is not an act of kindness, but a need for building a nation.
This recognition means a lot to Kashmir. It shows that women have been strong and held families and communities together through years of uncertainty. The idea of Nari Shakti changes from a symbol to a real way for women to participate and have an impact when they are brought into legislative spaces.
This vision also fits perfectly with India’s larger goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). No country can hope to grow if half of its people are not involved in making decisions. Better policies, fairer growth, and stronger institutions come from inclusive governance. When women are equally involved, the results are more balanced, socially responsible, and long-lasting.
In Kashmir, women’s involvement in politics can help build peace, keep society stable, and boost the economy; three important parts of a developed society. Their views on education, healthcare, community welfare, and conflict resolution can help make policies that are based on what people really experience.
In conclusion, women’s representation in legislation should not be viewed as a privilege, but rather as an essential measure for achieving equity. It is an investment in a democracy that includes everyone. The spirit of Nari Shakti Vandan strengthens this promise, and the vision of Viksit Bharat gives it a goal and a direction. This is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the strength and ability of Kashmiri women. We are not only giving women more power by making sure they have a say in decisions, but we are also making our society stronger and moving closer to a fairer, more balanced, and more developed country.
(The author can be reached at darakshanhassanbhat@gmail.com)