Empowerment or Transition Women in Governance?A study of Policy, Rights and Reforms in Pre- and Post-2019

Abstract: The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked a significant constitutional and administrative shift in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), reshaping its governance structures and legal framework. This study examines the impact of these changes on women’s rights and gender-focused governance in the region through a comparative analysis of the pre- and post-abrogation periods. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining policy analysis, secondary data, and field-based interviews—the research evaluates key dimensions such as property and inheritance rights, access to government schemes, political participation, legal protections, and socio-economic inclusion. The findings indicate that while the withdrawal of certain discriminatory state laws expanded formal legal equality for women and improved access to national welfare programs, challenges continue to persist in terms of implementation, cultural barriers, security concerns, and regional disparities. Therefore, the study argues that genuine empowerment requires not only legislative reforms but also gender-sensitive governance, institutional accountability, and sustained community engagement. The comparative framework provides insights into how constitutional changes interact with ground realities, offering policy recommendations for strengthening women-centric governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The study argues that post-370 governance reforms have created potential but uneven pathways for women’s political empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir. Strengthening gender-responsive governance, decentralised planning, and institutional support for women representatives is essential to ensure that administrative change translates into substantive gender inclusion.