Srinagar Dec 04 (KINS): Despite women making up nearly 50% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population, the representation of women in the J&K Police remains disproportionately low.
Jammu and Kashmir has a population of around 1.4 crore of which over 48 percent are women. However, Jammu and Kashmir police has a small percentage of women against men.
“Women play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, especially in addressing gender-sensitive cases.
However, their underrepresentation in the force indicates a significant gap in empowering women in the security sector,” a senior police official said on the condition of anonymity.
Efforts have been made in recent years to recruit more women into the force, with dedicated initiatives such as the creation of women police stations and reserved vacancies. However, these measures have yet to yield substantial results.
Women police officers believe that increasing women’s representation in the police force could lead to more effective handling of crimes against women, particularly domestic violence and harassment cases. “It is essential to ensure gender parity in law enforcement agencies to promote inclusivity and improve access to justice for women,” said a female police officer, who wished not to be quoted by name.
The low numbers also highlight the broader challenges faced by women in entering and advancing within male-dominated professions in the region. Experts suggest that addressing societal barriers, improving recruitment drives, and providing better facilities for women officers are crucial steps to bridge the gap. (KINS)
Women’s representation in J&K Police remains low despite constituting half the population ‘Increasing women’s representation in the police force could lead to more effective handling of crimes against women’
