Kashmiri women in conflict: a feminist perspective

The Kashmir conflict, a protracted dispute between India and Pakistan, has significantly impacted the lives of Kashmiris, particularly women. For over 75 years, the region's political and geopolitical landscape has been marked by conflict, four wars, and numerous military standoffs. While the conflict stems from the division of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmiri people have suffered immensely due to separatist insurgencies and India's military response. This has resulted in widespread violence, death, displacement, torture, and injury affecting millions across various domains. Thousands of lives have been lost, and numerous women have lost their primary breadwinners. The exodus of Kashmiri Hindu Pandits is estimated to be between 100,000 and 300,000 due to the insurgency. This complex conflict has profoundly impacted Kashmiri women, who have been primary targets of violence. Numerous reports detail atrocities against them, including rape, disappearances of male family members, and a range of socio-economic hardships. While significant research exists on Kashmir's history and politics, the specific struggles of women within the conflict need further exploration. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review of existing literature and highlighting the experiences of Kashmiri women through a feminist lens.

The paper reviews existing literature on women in conflict, focusing on the experiences of Kashmiri women. It examines gender-based violence, the feminist perspective on conflict, and the situation of Kashmiri women specifically. The literature highlights various forms of violence, including rape, used as a weapon of war and a strategy of ethnic cleansing. The review examines the roles of Kashmiri women, both as victims and as active participants in political movements and human rights activism. The authors discuss the concept of ‘half-widows,’ women whose husbands have disappeared or been killed in the conflict, and the multiple challenges they face. The economic plight of Kashmiri women, due to conflict and a patriarchal society, is also explored. Furthermore, the authors discuss the educational challenges faced by Kashmiri women, and their participation in politics and human rights activism. The evolution of feminism in Kashmir and the diverse perspectives among feminist activists are also examined.

The study employed a traditional narrative literature review methodology using secondary data. The authors reviewed existing published literature on the plight of Kashmiri women, synthesizing evidence from various sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The review followed a thematic structure, discussing important events, personalities, trends, and controversies. The authors employed a flexible, exploratory approach, focusing on offering a thorough grasp and understanding of the complexities of the issue. This qualitative method allowed exploration of the multiple dimensions of social exclusion experienced by women in the context of the conflict. The framework used in analyzing the data incorporated various viewpoints from feminist theorists, highlighting the complex interrelationship between gender and conflict. A brief historical perspective on human rights violations against Kashmiri women was presented, supported by evidence from reliable sources. The study identified the perpetrators of these violations and examined the resulting suffering of women. The study discussed the use of rape as a weapon of war and a tool of ethnic cleansing, highlighting the lack of educational opportunities and the resulting low literacy rates among Kashmiri women. The contributions of Kashmiri women activists and the impact of a patriarchal society on gender-related oppression were also analyzed.

The study found that Kashmiri women face multifaceted challenges due to the protracted conflict and deeply ingrained patriarchal structures within Kashmiri society. The conflict has exacerbated existing inequalities, leading to widespread gender-based violence. Rape is frequently used as a weapon of war, with the Indian security forces being primary perpetrators. However, militant groups also engage in sexual violence, though instances are often underreported due to fear of reprisal. The conflict has also created a large number of ‘half-widows,’ women whose husbands have disappeared or been killed, leaving them economically vulnerable and socially stigmatized. The study highlights the persistent socio-economic challenges faced by Kashmiri women, with limited access to education and economic opportunities exacerbating their vulnerability. Despite systemic oppression, many Kashmiri women demonstrate remarkable resilience, engaging in political activism and human rights work. The study acknowledges the limitations of existing research, including underreporting of abuses and varying interpretations of women's agency within the conflict. The study also reveals a lack of awareness within international circles about the rampant sexual violence against Kashmiri women. Several women's groups are actively involved in peacebuilding initiatives and advocacy efforts, while simultaneously operating under constant threats to their personal safety. The review emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach involving governmental action and collaborative efforts with NGOs to alleviate the conditions faced by Kashmiri women, including provisions for educational, health, and economic empowerment and access to legal and psychosocial support.

The findings highlight the critical need to address the complex interplay of conflict and patriarchy in shaping the lives of Kashmiri women. The widespread gender-based violence, particularly the use of rape as a weapon of war, underscores the urgency of accountability mechanisms and international attention. The creation of ‘half-widows’ due to enforced disappearances points to the lasting psychological and economic trauma of the conflict. The socio-economic inequalities experienced by Kashmiri women reinforce the necessity for targeted interventions focusing on education, skill development, and economic empowerment. The resilience displayed by many Kashmiri women, in their engagement with activism and peacebuilding, necessitates wider recognition and support. The limitations of the study underscore the need for further research on the complexities of women's experiences in conflict zones and the multiple dimensions of gender-based violence.

This study emphasizes the profound and multidimensional impact of conflict and patriarchy on Kashmiri women. The findings highlight the critical need for a gender-sensitive approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Kashmir. Future research should focus on gathering more comprehensive data on gender-based violence, exploring the effectiveness of existing interventions aimed at empowering Kashmiri women, and evaluating the role of women in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. The complexities of women's experiences within the conflict and the challenges they face demand a sustained commitment to addressing the root causes of their suffering.

The study relies primarily on secondary data, which may limit the depth of analysis. Underreporting of gender-based violence in Kashmir, due to social stigma and fear of reprisal, might affect the accuracy of the data presented. The study also acknowledges that varying interpretations of women's agency exist within the complex political context of Kashmir, which influences the analysis.