Online Misogyny Haunts Kashmir, Harming Women's Mental Health

Syed Mohammad Burhan

Srinagar: While Kashmir, like many places around the world, adorned women with accolades and praises on International women's day, a discordant note echoed through the digital corridors. Some toasted the remarkable feats of women , others wielded their keyboards as weapons of targeted harassment and character assassination.

Aasiya (name changed), a scholar at Sher-e-Kashmir

University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Srinagar had just aced her interview with a local news channel. However, the thrill quickly morphed into a chilling online ordeal.

Her video, meant to highlight her participation in a prestigious conference, became a launchpad for a barrage of vicious trolls. Derogatory comments flooded social media platforms, particularly Instagram, targeting her appearance and tearing down her confidence.

“The derogatory remarks not only inflicted emotional distress but also deeply affected my family members. People have been commenting on that video and they are assassinating my character and reading those comments have made us upset,” Aasiya shot an email to the news channel, appealing for the removal of the interview.

Akin to Aasiya, Sameena Masoodi, another woman from Kashmir based in the US, faced similar vitriol online, with trolls targeting her appearance and demeaning her based on superficial judgments.

The experience of these women is a stark illustration of the misogyny lurking within Kashmir's social media landscape. While these platforms offer opportunities for expression and connection, they also provide a breeding ground for toxic behavior and gender-based violence.

Experts say the alarming rise in cyber misogyny poses a significant challenge to the safety and well-being of women in Kashmir, amplifying the need for comprehensive strategies to address this pressing issue.

Speaking to Kashmir Observer, Sociologist Dr Farah Qayoom said that in a traditional society like ours the online trolling of women over their appearance, dress, ideas has assumed new dimensions.

“Our children

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distress but also deeply affected my family members. People have been commenting on that video and they are assassinating my character”