International Women’s Day: A Tribute to the Women of Jammu and Kashmir

March 8 is celebrated globally as International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of women. Across the world, people with diverse perspectives and ideologies write articles, organize programs, and deliver speeches, focusing on women and their rights.

It is evident that women are one of Allah’s most profound creations. Reflecting on their existence helps us understand the essence of humanity. In recent years, the slogan “My body, my choice” has sparked widespread debate. While some criticize it, others support it. However, if we look beyond this slogan, we realize that a woman’s physical and emotional structure is a source of peace and security. The comfort a child finds in a mother’s embrace is unparalleled. Similarly, places of worship—mosques, churches, and temples—are considered sanctuaries of peace, much like the role women play in society.

Allah has placed paradise under the feet of mothers and made women the means of human creation. Women are often compared to various divine attributes, yet their rights remain a contentious issue. Numerous organizations advocate for women’s rights, but the question remains: What rights are women truly demanding?

In my view, the most fundamental right women seek today is the right to live. Every human being deserves the right to breathe freely and live without fear. Women are not asking for anything extraordinary—they simply demand the oxygen Allah has provided for all. Yet, society often restricts this basic right, forcing women to seek permission for every step they take.

Society, which is essentially a collection of individuals, often fails to treat women as equals. Islam, a revolutionary and miraculous religion, has granted women rights that are often denied in practice, whether in inheritance or decision-making. The fault lies not with Islam but with those who claim to be its champions while perpetuating inequality.

In our society, two dominant ideologies exist: one represented by figures like Marvi Sarmad and the other by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. Both, in my opinion, are imperialistic and do not truly represent the working-class woman or the essence of religion. These ideologies have pitted women against each other, causing harm to society. The solution lies in understanding these imperialistic tactics and resisting exploitative forces through intellectual, ideological, and political means.

Now, turning to Jammu and Kashmir, the women of this region have shown unparalleled resilience and courage over the past 78 years. They have followed in the footsteps of Hazrat Khadija (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who stood by him with unwavering loyalty. The women of Jammu and Kashmir have faced immense challenges, yet they continue to fight for their rights and the freedom of their land.

In the ongoing resistance movement of Jammu and Kashmir, women like Tahira Toqeer, the Women’s Secretary of JKLF for Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, have emerged as front-line leaders. Born in Jalalpur Jattan, Punjab, Tahira Toqeer moved to Kotli after her marriage to Dr. Toqeer. Despite having studied a distorted version of history in Pakistan, she became a symbol of resistance in the struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s freedom. Over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, rallying for the cause of independence.

Alongside Tahira Toqeer, countless other women have played pivotal roles in the resistance movement. From Shabila Qasim and Zara Ijaz to Abida Rathore, Nazia Shah Advocate, Nasreen Malik, Rabia Muzaffar, Fatima Mir, Saima Mirza from the UK, Ifra Shabbir from Kotli, Adeeba Jamil from Hajira, Nusrat Qureshi, Maria Shahzad, and Komal Raja—these women represent the 53% female population of Jammu and Kashmir. They have sacrificed their dreams, suppressed their desires, and dedicated their lives to the struggle for a dignified, prosperous, and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

On this International Women’s Day, we must celebrate women not just as symbols of resilience but as active resistance fighters. The struggle for the freedom of Jammu and Kashmir will only succeed when the entire nation, including its women, stands united against occupation. Women are and will remain the backbone of this movement.

Today, we salute the unwavering struggle, courage, bravery, and determination of the women of Jammu and Kashmir. For the past 78 years, they have sacrificed their lives, dreams, and aspirations for the cause of freedom. They have given birth to a generation committed to the struggle for a free and sovereign Jammu and Kashmir.

By Saad Ansari, Advocate
Zonal Spokesperson, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)
Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan Zone