Vidushi Gaur/New Delhi

A remarkable woman from North Kashmir is breaking stereotypes and inspiring change in Kashmir. Advocate Tabassum who prefers to be known as Advocate Sibgat, a lawyer-cum-wrestler, is not just fighting legal battles in the courtroom but also empowering women by educating them about their rights and guiding them toward a brighter future.

Sibgat’s journey has been anything but conventional. She hails from the village Tujar Sharif, close to the apple town of Sopore which was once the hub of terrorism.

Losing her mother at a young age in 2012, she stepped into a leadership role within her family. Despite societal norms that often frown upon step-relations, she urged her father to remarry.

Defying expectations, she and her sibling embraced their stepmother wholeheartedly. “Our society doesn’t easily accept the concept of step-relations. But I insisted and got my father married again. We accepted our stepmother as our own; she did the same for us. I made sure the revolution began at home,” she recalled.

This belief in challenging societal norms shaped her into the woman she is today. Sibgat pursued law to fulfill her late mother’s dream of seeing her in the black coat. Now, as an advocate at the Srinagar High Court, she dedicates her life to making legal awareness accessible to the people, especially women.

“Women in our society have always been kept secondary. They are taught to live under the dominance of their fathers and later their husbands. Why is that so? Women must have control over their own lives and be able to make their own decisions,” says Sibgat. Through her legal practice, she educates and consults women on their rights, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and fight against injustices.

Beyond her legal career, Sibgat is also a national-level arm wrestler, competing in the 75kg and 95kg categories and the winner of several medals in the sports. She was even selected for international competitions but could not participate due to personal and professional commitments. “Paron ko khol zamana udaan dekhta hai, Zameen pe baith ke kya aasmaan dekhta hai?” she says, emphasising the importance of ambition and perseverance.

For a woman from Kashmir, excelling in sports, especially a physically demanding one like arm wrestling, is no small feat. “I was always inclined towards sports, but in my area, it wasn’t easy for women to pursue it. I want to pass on this strength to young girls and encourage them to break barriers,” she stated passionately.

Advocate Tabassum alias Sibgat attending a conference of Women advocates in Delhi

Her commitment to societal well-being extends beyond law and sports. Recognizing the growing influence of digital spaces, Sibgat is spreading cyber awareness.

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“Youth is an essential part of our society; they are taking over social media and cyberspace. It is crucial to educate them about cyber laws and digital safety,” she explained.Advocate Sibgat’s story is one of resilience, determination, and change. Whether in the courtroom, on the wrestling mat, or in society, she continues to fight for justice and empowerment. Her unwavering spirit is a beacon of hope for women in Kashmir and beyond, proving that no societal norm is too rigid to be challenged and no dream too big to be pursued.