A few months ago, while searching for a job in Kashmir, I explored various social media advertisement portals where companies post their vacancies. To my surprise, many companies were specifically seeking female applicants. From clerical positions to high-level managerial roles, the preference was notably for women. Initially, this was frustrating, as it seemed to limit opportunities for males. However, over time, I came to appreciate the significance of this shift. Kashmiri women were asserting their capabilities, recognizing their strengths, and venturing beyond their homes to explore broader horizons.There was a time in Kashmir when many aspiring, energetic, and knowledgeable girls wouldn’t dare to leave their homes due to societal constraints. I recall a close relative whose two daughters, despite excelling academically in their 12th standard, were unable to pursue their dreams. They possessed exceptional learning abilities and a desire to contribute to their struggling family, yet social restrictions and their family background held them back.
In the past, although some parents wished for their daughters to excel academically and become doctors, engineers, software experts, or technicians, fears of terrorist attacks and negative societal judgments often silenced these aspirations. Parents were concerned for their daughters' safety, and societal pressure suppressed their ambitions. Today, thanks to digitization and improved security in Kashmir, Kashmiri girls are not only showcasing their talents and abilities but also securing jobs in local companies, multinational corporations, and even abroad. These jobs have enabled women to achieve economic independence, gain social respect, and contribute to societal growth as well as their personal development. By balancing professional roles with domestic responsibilities, these women are making significant strides in their communities. Many women in Kashmir are not just finding jobs but also creating employment opportunities for others. They have established ventures in diverse fields such as art and craft, designing, tailoring, calligraphy, chain stitching, floral jewelry, and pottery. These enterprises, ranging from small to large, provide employment to many, further stimulating the local economy.
The Government of India has launched numerous schemes to economically empower rural women, including the National Rural Livelihood Mission or Umeed, and Himayat. Kashmiri women have significantly benefited from these programs. UMEED Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2011, it focuses on creating robust institutional platforms for rural communities, empowering them to boost household income through sustainable livelihoods and improved access to financial services. Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood mission was started in 2014. Self-help groups formed by rural women are evidence of their journey towards self-reliance. More than 63000 Self Help Groups are registered with UMEED at present covering 525000 rural women of Jammu and Kashmir. After receiving basic training in fields such as chain stitching, crewel, embroidery, tailoring, and designing, these women have set up their own ventures, generating livelihoods and providing employment to others. Many women who have started their startups with the counseling, guidance and the support from the Indian Army are grateful to their initiatives to foster self-reliance activities under operation Sadbhavana in far flung areas.
Asfhan Nazir, from a remote village in the Kokernag area, highlights the impact of government programs like the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme. These initiatives have opened doors for hundreds of young aspiring youths, especially girls, to set up their own units, work hard, and achieve economic independence. As a group leader of an SHG, Asfhan works tirelessly on employment generation for girls. Over ten small ventures have been established in her area, offering services after receiving basic training from local centers.Similarly, many young craftswomen seek loans from Khadi Village and Industries Centers in Kashmir to set up their ventures in crewel, hand stitching, embroidery, and tailoring. Kashmiri women are not solely reliant on government schemes; they also find opportunities to work abroad. For instance, a young, energetic girl from Uri, known for her culinary skills, is currently working as a chef in Saudi Arabia.
Kawsar Jabeen from Baramulla made a bold decision to quit her corporate job and pursue her passion for art and entrepreneurship. Despite holding a good position in her previous company, Jabeen felt the need to establish her own business, aspiring to create an asset for her family and become a source of inspiration and livelihood for others. She firmly believes that achieving success, especially for new startups, requires determination and resilience. Determined to overcome any hardships, Jabeen launched a tailoring unit in the village of Sangrama, Baramulla district, specializing in providing school uniforms to local students. Despite facing financial constraints and the challenge of introducing a new product to the market, she focused on delivering high-quality services. Jabeen credits her success to the grace of Almighty Allah and the positive influences she encountered throughout her professional journey. She consciously chose to learn from successful individuals and avoid the pitfalls that led others to close their businesses.
Her innovative approach to tailoring, particularly in the school uniform sector, has helped her business thrive. She customizes uniforms based on orders and specific school requirements, receiving contracts from both government and private schools. Currently, Jabeen employs eight local girls and dreams of expanding her workforce to over 200 girls in the next five years. Jabeen encourages local aspiring girls not to wait for government jobs but to recognize their talents and dive into entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities not only for themselves but also for others in the community. Through her entrepreneurial journey, Kawsar Jabeen exemplifies how determination, quality focus, and community support can lead to remarkable success and empowerment.
Rukhsana Parveen, a 49-year-old from Novlari Pattan in North Kashmir's Baramulla district, has turned her passion for chemical-free handmade soap making into a thriving enterprise from her home. Despite holding a master's degree, Rukhsana found true contentment and fulfillment in the art of soap making, transforming her kitchen into a sanctuary of creativity and tranquility. Fascinated by the idea of creating beautiful and practical household items, Rukhsana dedicated herself to learning the craft. Her entry into the world of chemical-free handmade soap making was fortuitous, and she quickly became proficient. "Each batch fuels my passion, infusing every bar with love and purpose," she says. With determination and enthusiasm, Rukhsana refined her skills through an online course during the COVID-19 pandemic. She experimented with natural ingredients and aromatic oils, and her products soon gained attention for their intricate designs and therapeutic benefits. Balancing work and family duties was challenging, but Rukhsana's creativity and commitment led her to success.
In 2021, Rukhsana launched "Mahi’s Handmade Products" as a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, who lovingly called her "Mahi." This brand name honors her mother's memory and represents Rukhsana’s dedication to crafting high-quality handmade goods. Every soap is meticulously crafted in her home, ensuring that the products are organic and chemical-free, giving customers confidence with every purchase. "Mahi’s soap became more than just a product; it became a symbol of resilience and hope. Customers admired the intricate designs and captivating fragrances, but more importantly, they admired the woman behind it all – a testament to the power of passion and perseverance," says one of her customers.
Today, Rukhsana serves as an inspiration to aspiring artisans everywhere. Her journey from obscurity to success demonstrates that with dedication and creativity, anything is possible. As her business expanded, Rukhsana remained humble, always remembering her modest beginnings. She is committed to giving back to her community and plans to offer workshops to underprivileged women, empowering them with valuable skills. The emergence of women entrepreneurs in Kashmir is not just a trend but a transformative movement. Women like Mehvish Mushtaq, the creator of the "Dial Kashmir" mobile application, exemplify this change. Her app provides detailed information about essential services in Kashmir, bridging the information gap and making services more accessible to the local population. Mehvish's initiative has received widespread acclaim, serving as an inspiration to many aspiring female entrepreneurs in the region. She was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the President of India.The journey of Kashmiri women towards economic empowerment and entrepreneurship is a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, they have carved out spaces for themselves in various fields, contributing to the socio-economic development of their region. Their success stories are not only inspiring but also highlight the potential of women to drive positive change in their communities. With continued support from the government and society, the future holds immense promise for these women, who will be continue to shaping the future of Kashmir for the better.
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