In Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), until Article 370 remained in force, whether or not the discrimination against women regarding property ownership and other rights was intentional or unintentional, the undeniable fact is that gender discrimination was present and encouraged.
Prior to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, women in J&K had limited property rights.
Once a woman from J&K chose her husband from outside the state, she would lose her rights to ancestral property and her status as a "first-class citizen" of J&K.
Article 35A, which was added in 1954, defined property ownership rights. The Parliament simultaneously abrogated both Article 370 and Article 35A.
The laws that became immediately applicable to J&K after August 5, 2019, included those related to protection against child marriage, domestic violence, and equal property inheritance.
The abrogation of Article 370 eliminated a legal framework. Women in J&K now have full property rights, regardless of their spouse's place of birth and origin.
Central laws such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) are now fully applicable, addressing gaps in the regulation of child marriages and child abuse.
The autocratic Ranbir Penal Code was replaced by the Indian Penal Code and subsequently by the three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which came into effect on July 1, 2024, replacing colonial-era statutes with a focus on justice, technology, and national security.
Key changes include defining terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime, along with provisions for digital evidence and electronic FIRs, which replaced the outdated Ranbir Penal Code.
J&K women can now access the National Commission for Women for grievances, and dedicated women's police stations have been established in several districts. Reservations and inclusive policies have significantly benefited women's rights.
The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A enabled the implementation of a 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) under the Tejaswini Scheme, aligning with national standards. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023) extends this reservation to 33 per cent in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, representing a historic step towards greater representation.
In the 2020 District Development Council elections, women secured significant seats, with female voter turnout reaching 60 per cent in some areas. This contrasts with pre-2019 figures, where women's representation in the Assembly hovered below 3 per cent from 1952 to 2014. A 2025 analysis notes a rise in female leaders within parties like the BJP, with women like Darakhshan Andrabi contributing to mainstream politics.
Female labor force participation climbed from 26.5 per cent in 2018-19 to 32.8 per cent in 2021, with further growth projected. Over 300 women-led startups have been registered under the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27, focusing on eco-tourism, handicrafts, and digital services.
PM MUDRA Yojana has sanctioned loans to over 2 lakh women accounts in J&K by 2025, amounting to Rs 47,704 crore. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the UMEED Scheme have empowered rural women, particularly during COVID-19, by promoting income-generating activities.
The tourism sector, with 2.3 crore visitors in 2024, has created jobs in women-dominated sectors like handicrafts. Platforms like Kashmir Box connect artisans to global markets, enhancing their earnings.
A 2024 study links improved safety and security, widening entrepreneurial opportunities, with 82 per cent of respondents noting positive impacts. However, tribal women still face disparities, with literacy at 39.7 per cent versus the national 49.4 per cent, hindering economic access.
Despite progress, women from Jammu and other mountainous districts are still not fully integrated into the economic empowerment landscape.
Female literacy, which was at 56.4 per cent in 2011, has improved with initiatives like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', providing scholarships and outreach programs. Enrollment among girls has surged post-2019, supported by new institutions like AIIMS Awantipora and IIT Jammu.
Over 14,000 children, including girls, benefit from 46 Goodwill Schools run by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana. Vocational centers offer IT and tailoring skills to women, with Rs 3 crore in scholarships aiding higher education.
Violence has decreased significantly after the abrogation of Article 370, with an 81 per cent drop in civilian deaths, enhancing women's mobility and safety.
Women Helplines (181) and Nari Adalats that provide grassroots justice, have been operational in 50 Gram Panchayats each in J&K.
However, the legacy of conflict and social stigma persist, with 3,069 dowry-related cases in 2018-19 indicating ongoing social issues.
Demographic shifts post-abrogation, however, raise concerns about cultural erosion, disproportionately affecting women. A 2025 paper notes that while opportunities exist, political representation remains low due to the ongoing conflict and perceptions of corruption. Economic disparities in tribal areas and rising crime rates demand targeted interventions.
The biggest challenge to women empowerment in J&K is violence and corruption.
While a concrete road with adequate facilities is being built for women's progress and empowerment, the existing obstacles such as violence and corruption continue to impede the progress of these initiatives in J&K.