New Delhi, March 15: The empowerment and upliftment of women, driven by their active participation in the workforce, has emerged as a "key contributor" to the changing social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, according to Darakshan Hassan Bhat, an activist of the Rashtriya Sewa Kendra Sangh (RSKS), who addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Speaking at the 61st session of the UNHRC in Geneva, Bhat discussed the progress of women and girls in the region and highlighted their social and economic transformation under government-led employment initiatives.
Emphasizing key growth indicators, Bhat stated that the female labor force participation rate in the area has reached 34.1%, which is higher than the national average.
Highlighting the impact of government-led employment initiatives, she noted that over half a million women have secured wage employment over the past five years through flagship programs, and this targeted program has also led to their financial independence and "strengthened the resilience of their households."
Pointing to two specific initiatives, "Sambal" and "Samarthya," she explained that these have provided legal aid, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship opportunities to thousands of women, thereby facilitating their empowerment.
In her statement, Bhat emphasized that women's helplines, emergency response systems, one-stop centers, and women help desks have proven instrumental in ensuring the safety and assistance of women.
She also highlighted the growing participation of women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), noting that over 700,000 women now have access to micro-credit facilities and market linkages.
She stated that despite the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism, the region continues to progress and create new stories of growth and development.
She also credited schemes like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" for improving the gender ratio.
"The gender ratio in the region improved from 918 in 2011 to 942 in 2019," she told the global rights body.
She further stated that following the abrogation of Article 370, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act have also been extended to the region.
She reiterated that the increasing participation of women in education, employment, and governance is shaping a new and hopeful future.