JAMMU: In an exclusive online interview conducted by Ajmer Alam Wani, Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), Dr. Shazia Malik, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Women’s Studies and Research, University of Kashmir, delves into her scholarly work, which revolves around understanding the intricate intersections of gender, patriarchy, and myriad other axes of identity as they impact the lives of women in Kashmir.
Her intentional focus on women existing in marginal spaces, whose voices are often muted or relegated to the periphery, serves as a powerful act of resistance against monolithic narratives that obscure the rich diversity and complexities of women's lives in the region. Dr. Malik's approach is rooted in an intersectional feminist lens, recognizing that the challenges confronting Kashmiri women cannot be understood in isolation.
By unraveling how gender intersects with identities like class, caste, religion, and the legacies of conflict and colonialism, she aims to offer a holistic and nuanced understanding of the multidimensional experiences of women in Jammu and Kashmir. Her work is underpinned by a decolonial and postcolonial lens, allowing her to surface the interconnected ways in which gender intersects with various factors to shape the multidimensional realities of marginalized communities.
Her commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and activism for social change is evident in her work on decolonizing perceptions around the performances of female dancers and singers at weddings.
Through her academic exploration, she uncovers and documents instances where female singers have been victimized due to societal notions of non-respectable acts, contributing not only to theoretical frameworks within Women's Studies but also laying the foundation for actionable initiatives. Additionally, she actively promotes gender sensitivity and social justice through programs such as Swachh Bharat initiatives, environmental conservation campaigns, and Gender Equality Marches.
Dr. Malik's enthralling collaboration with Dr. Diana Fox, Professor of Anthropology at Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts, has not only been academically enriching but has also nurtured a lasting feminist friendship.
This collaboration has served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, staying updated on emerging trends in gender studies, and gaining insights from diverse perspectives, ultimately enhancing the impact of her work as a scholar and advocate for gender equality.
She further emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive studies that delve into various facets of women's lives, experiences, and challenges in the context of Kashmir, particularly due to the dearth of data on women's issues. Her future endeavors will center around initiating and conducting research projects that systematically collect and analyze data on women's issues in Kashmir, ensuring inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and representation of diverse perspectives.
Dr. Shazia Malik's work represents a dedicated effort to unravel the complexities of gender, patriarchy, and various identities impacting the lives of women in Kashmir. Her scholarship and advocacy are a testament to her unwavering commitment to promoting gender justice, social transformation, and the dismantling of intersecting systems of oppression rooted in colonial and neo-colonial power structures.
For the detailed interview, read questions and answers below till end:-
- Shazia Malik, given your expertise in gender theory and intersectionality, how do you perceive the interplay of various identities such as gender, class, religion, and ethnicity in shaping women's experiences, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir?
Ans: I focus my scholarly work on understanding how gender, patriarchy, and various identities impact the lives of women in Kashmir. I deliberately centre my attention on women existing in marginal spaces, whose voices are often muted or relegated to the periphery.
I approach this work through an intersectional feminist lens, recognizing that the challenges confronting Kashmiri women cannot be understood in isolation. Rather, they are deeply rooted in the intricate web of societal, cultural, and political forces that shape the lived realities of those inhabiting marginal spaces.
By unravelling how gender intersects with identities like class, caste, religion, and the legacies of conflict and colonialism, I aim to offer a holistic and nuanced understanding of the multidimensional experiences of women in Jammu and Kashmir. My research is an act of resistance against the monolithic narratives that often obscure the rich diversity and complexities of women's lives in the region. I firmly believe that by centering the voices of those on the margins, we can collectively weave a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the interplay of identities that shape the experiences of Kashmiri women.
- Your research spans a wide array of topics, from women's resistance in Kashmir to transgender representation in folklore. How do you ensure coherence and relevance across such diverse subjects in your academic work?
Ans: While the specific subjects I explore may seem diverse on the surface, there is an underlying coherence and relevance that stems from my core mission - to unravel the intricate intersections of gender, patriarchy, and myriad other axes of identity through a decolonial and postcolonial lens. Whether I'm investigating women's resistance movements in Kashmir or examining representations of transgender identities in folklore, I approach these inquiries through an intersectional lens that is attuned to the legacies of colonialism and ongoing neo-colonial power dynamics.
This allows me to surface the interconnected ways in which gender intersects with factors like class, caste, religion, conflict, state power dynamics, legal ambiguities, capitalism, and colonial histories to shape the multidimensional realities of marginalized communities. For instance, in my work on women's resistance in Kashmir, I situate their struggles within the broader socio-political landscape and the intersecting forces of patriarchy, state dynamics, and the impact of colonial rule that permeate their lives. Similarly, when exploring transgender representation in folklore,
I analyse these narratives through a decolonial lens revealing how they both reflect and resist dominant gender norms and power structures rooted in colonial legacies. therefore, I believe, I can ensure coherence across diverse subjects while remaining relevant to the broader goal of promoting gender justice, social transformation, and the dismantling of intersecting systems of oppression rooted in colonial and neo-colonial power structures.
- As an educator, how do you incorporate your research findings and theoretical insights into your teaching curriculum, especially in fostering critical discussions and empowering students in women's studies?
Ans: As a Gender Studies teacher, I recognize the dearth of research on women's lives in Kashmir, acknowledging that existing feminist teachings often have global importance or are framed within the context of India. Given the distinct social, cultural, and political dynamics of Kashmir within the diverse landscape of India, my aim is to explore the relevance of global feminist thoughts to the specific experiences of women in Kashmir.
Incorporating the research findings and theoretical insights into our teaching curriculum is integral to fostering critical discussions and empowering students at our Centre. My colleagues and I ensure that our curriculum is enriched with new insights drawn from our work on the lives of women in Kashmir, encompassing both theories and case studies.
- Shazia could you elaborate on your experiences in translating academic research into actionable initiatives that contribute to social change, particularly in the context of women's rights and empowerment in Kashmir?
Ans: Well, I firmly believe in bridging the gap between academic research and activism for social change, particularly in the realm of women's rights and empowerment. My research on female dancers and singers, aimed at decolonizing perceptions around their performances at weddings, serves as a tangible example. Through my academic exploration, I delve into the experiences of female singers who have been victimized due to societal notions of non-respectable acts. By uncovering and documenting these instances, my research not only contributes to theoretical frameworks within Women's Studies but also provides a foundation for actionable initiatives.
Besides, as a resource person, I conduct gender sensitization programs and workshops, disseminating knowledge that can help in understanding the complexities surrounding gender issues at homes and workplaces. By incorporating the interconnectedness of academic scholarship and activism, I strive to ensure that my work remains intellectually rigorous while maintaining a firm grounding in the urgent concerns and experiences of the communities I serve, ultimately contributing to the broader struggle for gender justice and women's empowerment in Kashmir.
- Your publications range from empirical studies to theoretical analyses. Can you discuss your preferred research methodologies and how they have evolved over the years in response to the complexities of studying gender-related issues?
Ans: Surely, my research methodologies have evolved over the years in response to the complexities of studying gender-related issues. I predominantly engage in qualitative research, focusing on feminist ethnographic research, feminist content analysis, and feminist historiography.
This methodological preference allows me to delve deeply into the lived experiences of individuals, particularly women, and to understand the broader socio-cultural and historical contexts that shape their realities. Feminist ethnographic research enables me to immerse myself in the communities I study, fostering a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play. Similarly, feminist content analysis and historiography provide frameworks to critically analyze historical records, narratives, and cultural representations through a gender-sensitive lens.
These methodologies help in uncovering hidden or marginalized stories, especially those pertaining to women, and contribute to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history and culture. Throughout my academic journey, I initiated my research as a post-colonial writer, acknowledging the legacies of colonialism in shaping gender relations.
Recently, I have shifted to decolonial writing, emphasizing a perspective that goes beyond mere critique of colonial influences to actively deconstruct and reshape dominant narratives. I am acutely aware of the potential pitfalls, including excessive criticism of Western feminist contributions. Balancing the acknowledgment of global feminist discourse with an understanding of the unique nuances within local contexts remains a challenge that I am attentive to.
- You have served in various leadership roles, such as Coordinator at the Centre for Women’s Studies and Research, University of Kashmir. How do you navigate interdisciplinary collaborations and ensure effective coordination among stakeholders towards advancing gender equality initiatives?
Ans: I emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing the expertise each discipline brings to the table. Specifically, I have initiated efforts to break the chains of shame surrounding women's issues, sparking crucial conversations on topics like menstruation that are often deemed private problem.
- As an NSS Programme Officer, how do you engage students in initiatives that promote gender sensitivity and social justice? Can you share any impactful experiences or projects conducted under your supervision?
Ans: In this role, I actively promoted gender sensitivity and social justice through specific programs, such as Swachh Bharat initiatives, environmental conservation campaigns like "Protecting Environment, Save Chinar," and Gender Equality Marches. Within these programs, I specifically encouraged female volunteers to participate in a diverse array of activities, irrespective of whether they are conventionally associated with femininity or masculinity.
The focus was on breaking gender stereotypes and providing opportunities for female volunteers to engage in tasks that challenge traditional norms, fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment.
- Your collaboration with Dr. Diana Fox on representations of women's agency in Kashmiri oral traditions is intriguing. Could you shed light on the challenges and insights gained from cross-cultural research partnerships?
Ans: Collaborating with Dr. Diana Fox, Professor of Anthropology at Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts, and currently the University Director at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, University of the West Indies, has been an enthralling journey. Our partnership began at the 2019 International Conference on Women's Studies in Thailand, where Diana, in her dual roles, introduced all participants to the journal she edits.
Despite communication disruptions following the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir, Diana's understanding granted me an extended opportunity to contribute to the journal's regular issue in 2020. As our collaboration evolved, I shared my passion for Kashmiri folklore and women's agency, leading to my enrollment in a directed study under Diana on folklore theories.
Our joint research proposal solidified our partnership, emphasizing the significance of our shared commitment to decolonial feminist principles. Additionally, she has been invited to give lectures at my centre, where participants have greatly appreciated her compassion for all women.
This collaboration has not only been academically enriching but has also nurtured a lasting feminist friendship. Initially, the differences in age, ethnicity, religion, and career stage posed hesitations and challenges. Diana, being older, Jewish, Western, and of high academic rank, and myself, a younger Muslim Asian in the early stages of my career, had to overcome preconceived notions associated with these identities. However, our commitment to decolonial feminist principles and a shared belief in equality and humanity helped us bridge these gaps.
- Shazia you have actively participated in numerous workshops and conferences. How do these engagements inform your research agenda and contribute to your professional development as a scholar and advocate for gender equality?
Ans: Participation in workshops and conferences serves as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, staying updated on emerging trends in gender studies, and gaining insights from diverse perspectives. Interactions with researchers and activists enrich my research agenda, refining questions, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. These engagements enable the integration of the latest theoretical advancements, inform methodological choices, and facilitate networking for interdisciplinary collaborations, enhancing the overall impact of my work as a scholar and advocate for gender equality.
- Dr Shazia, could you provide a comprehensive analysis comparing the socio-economic status of women in Jammu and Kashmir before and after the abrogation of Article 370, including changes in access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes? Additionally, in your professional opinion, what specific challenges or opportunities have emerged for women in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370, considering factors such as legal?
Ans: Well, offering a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic status of women in Jammu and Kashmir before and after the abrogation of Article 370 demands a nuanced perspective.
While there's no specific study addressing the aftermath as you've outlined, significant attention has been devoted to the impact of Kashmir's state-led feminism, particularly through the Naya Kashmir Manifesto's Women's Charter. The Women's Charter historically played a crucial role in women's development, introducing progressive measures like equal pay for equal work and property rights, ahead of its time.
Noteworthy steps, such as reserving 50% of seats in medical education in 1983, contributed to a substantial increase in female literacy from 20% in 1981 to 48% in 2001. Despite insurgency challenges, these provisions demonstrated a positive impact on women's advancement.n The Ladli Beti scheme stands as a recent feminist initiative, showcasing the government's commitment to women's welfare.
However, drawing conclusions on the current situation is premature. Emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive policy for women in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, ongoing evaluation and tailored interventions are crucial for a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities post-Article 370 abrogation.
- Looking ahead, what are the emerging issues or gaps in gender studies research that you find particularly pressing or understudied, especially within the context of Kashmir? How do you plan to address these challenges in your future endeavors?
Ans: Looking ahead, one of the most pressing challenges in gender studies research within the context of Kashmir is the glaring dearth of data on women's issues. The limited research on women's concerns underscores the urgent need for comprehensive studies that delve into various facets of their lives, experiences, and challenges. Even though many scholars who are Kashmiris and write in the diaspora have made significant contributions, the critical aspect of being in the moment, experiencing the unique challenges of life in Kashmir firsthand, and articulating these experiences is different.
In addressing these challenges, my future endeavors will be centered around initiating and conducting research projects that systematically collect and analyze data on women's issues in Kashmir. Collaborative efforts with local communities, organizations, and scholars will be crucial to ensuring that research is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and representative of diverse perspectives.