JAMMU: The Centre for Women's Studies, University of Jammu organized a Book Discussion on the book: "Silent Assertions: Women's Agency in Jammu and Kashmir Politics", authored by Prof. Rekha Chowdhary and Dr. Vibhuti Ubbott, for the scholars and faculty members of the University of Jammu on 22nd September, 2023 in the seminar hall of Centre for Women's Studies.

The programme began with the formal welcome address by Prof. Vishav Raksha Director, Centre for Women's Studies who gave an overview of the book and shared its relevance for future research.

She also spoke about women's reservation bill which was passed recently and said that is a crucial step for the political representation of women in India. Further she also gave details about the working of the Centre and various activities undertaken.

Prof. Rekha Chowdhary while discussing the main theme of book said that the book provides a comprehensive account of women's involvement in politics of Jammu and Kashmir.

She said that the book is especially focuses on "Agitation politics" unique to Jammu and "Conflict politics" in Kashmir, as well as the position of women in this political context.

She stated that there would not have been mass movements without women, but women have always been marginalized because they are not recognized as an integral part of history. She continued by saying that it is important to recognize the reality that women participate in politics not just as victims of politics but as survivors.

She also traced the status of women from 1947 to the present, saying that even though women have migrated, converted, and participated in mass movements, they still continue to struggle and face identity crisis.

Dr. Vibhuti Ubbott deliberated on the concept of Agency, wherein she mentioned that initially it was a new concept though now it is used as a key concept to understand the role of women in the society. She elaborated in detail on the role of women as Agency in the conflict area of Jammu and Kashmir.

Further she narrated few case studies from the book for illustrating the argument. She also shared various examples of respondents who were able to make choices and space for themselves in the public.

Faculty members and Research Scholars from the various departments of the University very actively participated in the book discussion and shared their views on: women as agency and their visibility.

They also raised many queries on the political condition and political issues regarding women in Jammu and Kashmir. Among others who were present were Prof. Jasbir Singh, Prof.Jyoti Wakhlu, Dr. Hema Gandotra, Dr. Anjuman Ara, Dr. Rashid Manhas, Dr. Madhulika Bhagat, Dr.Sandeep Singh, Kajal Kalsi.

The workshop was conducted and coordinated by Dr. Saranjit Kaur, and the formal vote of thanks was presented by Kunzang Angmo both Faculty members, Centre for Women's Studies.