Contemporary Ladakh: a subtle yet strong patriarchy

The general perception is that in Ladakh the status of a woman is equal to that of a man. This paper states that although the status of women is relatively better in Ladakh than in other parts of India, this does not mean patriarchy does not exist in this region.

The paper highlights that Ladakhi woman plays an insignificant role in community decisions, and are controlled strongly by patriarchal forces and their status is low. The author clarifies that the power relations between men and women are so blurred that there is no recognition of oppression of women.

As a result, much needs to be done for gender equality, and women need to be conscious of their suppression and should come together as a category in itself.

Conclusions are that:

• the first step in Ladakh would be unveiling the patriarchal structure and uniting women under one banner
• it is the lack of recognition of forms of oppression among Ladakhi community that has sustained patriarchal structures
• organisations have to stand up to protect women rather than reinforcing male domination
• gender education is needed (which is absent in Ladakhi schools), awareness of rights of women, violence against female body inside and outside the house should be imparted
• this will be possible when all forces work towards the upliftment of the status of women

In addition, the document underlines that departments dealing with the issues of women should come up in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).