Discussing women’s empowerment is a perennial issue that civilized societies are dealing with. We often discuss women’s empowerment in terms of education, employment,  political participation, leadership, and representation. However, the foundation of genuine empowerment begins much closer to home, where she needs real representation and encouragement. A woman who is respected, heard, trusted, and given meaningful decision-making space within her family is better positioned to participate confidently in society. If women are empowered at home, they are more likely to be empowered everywhere.

The idea of empowerment should also be understood within the cultural and religious context of a society. In Kashmir, where family, community, tradition, and faith remain deeply connected, discussions about women’s rights cannot be separated from these realities. Kashmiri feminism, therefore, needs to engage with the region’s social and religious traditions while addressing........

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