Suhail Khan
Baramulla: Three female advocates from Baramulla have risen above societal expectations and carved a path for themselves in the world of politics.
In this special story, The Web Story in collaboration with The Varmul Post will shed light on the three women politicians in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district whose names have become synonymous with courage and determination. These women have taken it upon themselves to fight for gender equality in a male-dominated political arena.
Advocate Neelofar Masoodi, Advocate Rabia Khursheed, and Advocate Qurat Bashir have not only shattered gender stereotypes but have also become beacons of hope for countless others, especially for women in the Baramulla District.
Advocate Neelofar Masoodi
Neelofar Masoodi, an advocate turned politician with around 10 years of experience, holds the position of National Conference District President Women for Baramulla district.
Throughout her political career, she has consistently been involved in various political processes and has emerged as a prominent figure advocating for the rights and concerns of the people.
Neelofar’s dedication to public service is reflected in her active participation and vocal approach in raising critical political issues.
She not only addresses political matters but also passionately fights for the rights and concerns of the people she represents.
Advocate Qurat Bashir
Advocate Qurat Bashir is another political figure who has achieved remarkable success within a very short period.
In her first attempt, she emerged as the winner of the District Development Council (DDC) elections from the Baramulla constituency in 2021.
Qurat Bashir contested the elections on a People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) seat in Baramulla, and her victory in the previous District Development elections was a testament to her popularity and support among the people.
During her tenure as a winning candidate, Qurat Bashir not only made a strong impression on the public but also garnered momentum for the upcoming elections in her constituency. Her dedication and hard work have resonated with the voters, further strengthening her position as a formidable politician.
Advocate Qurat Bashir is affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party and is currently serving as the district president of the women’s wing.
Advocate Rabia Khursheed
Another rising star among the trio is Advocate Rabia Khursheed, who constantly grabs media attention for her efforts in promoting a positive attitude among the people.
In the previous elections, Rabia contested as an independent candidate from the Sheeri constituency. Although she did not secure a place in the winning list, her foray into the world of politics fueled her passion. Ever since, she has emerged as a vocal advocate for local issues and has firmly set her sights on a political career.
Recently, Rabia joined the Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari. This move signifies her commitment to bringing about change and making a difference in the political landscape.
The Abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has led to significant changes in the region, particularly with regards to women’s empowerment and their inclusion in politics. Prior to the change, the representation of women in politics was alarmingly low, with only a few female candidates participating in elections.
In the Lok Sabha elections of 2019, out of the four women who filed nominations, only two remained in the race. Similarly, out of 831 contestants in the Legislative Assembly elections of 2014, only 28 were women. This underrepresentation of women in politics persisted for years, with the highest percentage of women in the assembly being just 5.33% after the 1972 elections.
However, with the recent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, a significant step toward women’s empowerment has been taken. The legislation reserves 33% of seats in the Legislative Assembly for women, ensuring better gender representation. This move has been widely hailed by political parties and the general public, as it empowers women, as well as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
