Gendered Experiences of Conflict

Women's Stories from the Frontlines Along IB in Jammu and Kashmir

Bibliographic Data

ID22416699
AuthorsAkriti Uppal (Central University of Jammu, corresponding author), Subir Jamwal (0009-0005-1689-8171, Panjab Univeristy), Neeta Rani (0000-0002-8571-1164, Central University of Jammu)
Year2026
Pages1-20
Publication date2026-07-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Borderlands Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0886-5655 • E-ISSN: 2159-1229
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/08865655.2026.2687469
OpenAlexW7167631770
LanguageEN
References cited18

This study examines the gendered experiences of women in persistently conflict-prone border regions in Jammu, India, where cross-border violence and militarization shape daily life. The study explores the lived realities of 30 women in Jourian, Pallanwala, and Arnia through qualitative, in-depth interviews. Guided by feminist, trauma, and intersectionality frameworks, the analysis specifically finds that militarization, displacement, and ongoing state neglect disproportionately burden women with caregiving responsibilities, psychological trauma, and deep economic insecurity. Many participants described the border as a symbol of the loss of loved ones, livelihoods, and community exacerbated by inadequate government compensation. Many women report chronic stress, anxiety, and grief linked to recurrent shelling experiences often overlooked by official responses. These findings underscore how gender and conflict intersect, which points to the importance of gender-sensitive policies and interventions. By focusing on women's voices, the study shows how militarized borders affect civilians differently based on gender, and it calls for inclusive support and compensation programs.

Narrative · Qualitative research · Gender, Security, and Conflict · Peace and Human Rights Education · South Asian Studies and Conflicts

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