GEnder issues in India with special focus on Jammu and Kashmir: A sociological concern

The present study is aimed to assess the variety of gender issues in India with special focus on the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Multiplicity of gender issues prevalent in India that have created havoc in the entire landscape include female feticide and infanticide, domestic violence, dowry, sexual harassment, acid throwing, trafficking and prostitution and certain issues pertaining to the institution of health. In the State of Jammu and Kashmir, there are lot many gender issues and the process has been accelerated due to the advent of globalization, but the three major issues of women that have posed a serious challenge to combat include eve teasing, dowry and selective abortion of girls. The alarming decline in sex ratio in Kashmir is the off shoot of female feticide and infanticide. Impact of emerging processes especially globalization has been discussed in relation of enhancing gender issues. Examples from recent events have been cited.

Media that includes television, radio and newspapers can play a positive role in creating awareness about the pitfalls of violence against women. Mass media's power should not be undermined by our policy makers and should be used very transparently and rationally maintaining the ethos of contextual settings.