Srinagar, April 17 -- Despite rhetoric advocating for equal rights and representation, the reality tells a different story. Since 1967, only three women have made it to Parliament, a mere five times collectively, from the region.

There is a stark gender disparity in political representation. Of the three women who made it to Parliament, four times were from the Kashmir division, while once was from Ladakh. Surprisingly, no woman has ever been elected from the Jammu division.

The first woman MP from Jammu and Kashmir was Akbar Jahan Begum, the wife of Sheikh Abdullah. She represented the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in 1977 under the National Conference banner. Later, she won from the Anantnag seat in 1984. Following her, Parvati Devi secured...