Peer Mumin
As unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir continues to rise, currently hovering around 20%, there is a noticeable gender bias in the hiring practices of the private sector. Thousands of well-educated and skilled youth are struggling to find jobs, and male job seekers are particularly disadvantaged.
A review of newspaper advertisements and social media posts for job openings in schools, media portals, education consultancies, and business units reveals a clear bias: many of these postings specify that “only females can apply.” This bias has sparked criticism and frustration among highly qualified and capable young male job aspirants.
Employers who prefer female candidates often justify their choice by claiming that women possess qualities better suited to their business needs. One employer explained, “I am running a business and need good job fit people. Younger males lack patience, discipline, and responsibility. Women are calm, responsible, punctual, and take work seriously. The job requires long hours on the computer, and we have noticed that women perform better.”
However, this rationale leaves many male job seekers in a difficult position. One unemployed youth in his 30s expressed his frustration, saying, “I am running a family and have kids, but I am unable to get a job. I need one, but if my wife applies for the same position, she will get it easily, even though she is less qualified and has fewer skills than I do. I have a computer diploma and can operate a computer easily, whereas my wife cannot. Is this justice? Is this the way it should be?”
Many other skilled young men find it unjustified and illogical to hire only females. They argue that while there is no issue with reservation, completely excluding males from job opportunities is frustrating and unfair. They urge concerned authorities to review and address this growing bias in the hiring practices of Kashmir’s private sector.
