Amidst the daunting aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 and the ravaging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the picturesque region of Kashmir found itself grappling with an unprecedented economic depression. As the dark clouds of uncertainty loomed over the land, the highly qualified youth of this conflicted valley were left disheartened and directionless, their dreams stifled by a lack of employment opportunities. In the face of such adversity, mental health crises began to plague every household, further exacerbating the struggle. And yet, amidst this tumultuous backdrop, a remarkable tale of resilience slowly emerged—a story of unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit. It is a story of the women of Kashmir, who refused to succumb to the torment of unemployment and instead, paved their own path to success.
Jammu and Kashmir experienced a significant increase in its unemployment rate, securing the third spot on the list of highest unemployment rates in India. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the alarming rate reached 23.1 percent, which indicates a worrisome jump of 6 percent from the previous month’s rate of 17.1. These figures are concerning, considering that in January 2023, the unemployment rate in J&K stood at 21.8 percent. (By March 2023, the unemployment rate in J&K surged to 23.1 in March 2023.
Yet, in a remarkable display of fortitude, these women took charge of their destinies and embraced the digital era as a gateway to economic independence. Harnessing the power of technology, they set up their own online businesses, showcasing and selling their exquisite handmade products to a global audience. The virtual realm became their sanctuary, offering a lifeline of hope and opportunity. Through this innovative approach, the women of Kashmir not only found a means of survival but also turned their talents into profitable ventures.
Munaza D. Illahi,a pioneering calligraphy artist of Kashmir, shared her journey, stating, “I am thrilled to see the resurgence of calligraphy in Kashmir in recent years. It’s wonderful to witness young boys and girls stepping forward to both teach and learn this ancient form of writing. Through my page, M.i___calligraphy__, I aim to promote the beauty of calligraphy and share it with a wider audience. Calligraphy is not just about writing; it’s an art form that requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for aesthetics. I believe that calligraphy has the power to connect people to our rich cultural heritage and instill a sense of pride in our roots. I am grateful to be part of this journey and contribute to the revival of calligraphy in Kashmir.” Monazah has 2,289 followers on Instagram.
“I used to do calligraphy for my close friends and family members before 2020, but it was during the pandemic when I decided to start my own calligraphy business. A friend suggested that I open an Instagram handle to showcase my products, and the response from people, especially women, was overwhelming. I began taking online orders and soon started making a significant profit. However, in the beginning, I faced numerous challenges as I was unfamiliar with the market and completely self-taught. I had to conduct extensive research and put in a lot of hard work to make everything come together. Today, I have a large following on Instagram, and I take pride in successfully establishing this start up in Kashmir. While it’s difficult to perceive calligraphy as a full-time job in our region, I view it as a part-time venture that supports my finances.” said Munazah D Illahi.
“Since showcasing my calligraphy work on Instagram, my business has flourished, attracting a growing clientele, primarily women. I take pride in personally delivering products with Quranic verses to ensure the utmost respect and honour for the sacred text.” said Munaza,
The self-taught calligrapher from Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, using specialised alcohol-based inks on various mediums like walnut wooden plates, T-shirts, and mugs. With her artistic skills extending to hoop embroidery and macramé, Munaza has turned her passion into a successful small business since 2020, leveraging Instagram as her marketplace and ensuring safe and secure deliveries with the assistance of her father.
As the echoes of conflict reverberated through the Valley, these enterprising women defied the odds and transformed their homes into bustling workshops. With nimble fingers and hearts brimming with determination, they painstakingly crafted unique creations that captured the essence of their vibrant culture. From intricately calligraphy, embroidered textiles to exquisite jewellery, every item they lovingly produced carried the indomitable spirit of Kashmir.
However, the significance of their entrepreneurial endeavours extended far beyond personal financial gain. In a society plagued by drug abuse and the shadows of unemployment, the emergence of these online businesses acted as beacons of hope, inspiring others to follow suit. The women of Kashmir have become role models, showcasing the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and unwavering self-belief.
Amidst the tumultuous landscape of a conflict-ridden valley, the women of Kashmir have also emerged as pillars of strength, wielding their creativity as a tool for empowerment. Their journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to thrive in the face of adversity and to transform challenges into opportunities. Join us on this remarkable exploration, as we shine a light on the resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering spirit of the women entrepreneurs of Kashmir.
Another entrepreneur Zubin Najam Wafai who owns a page named Make-it-Sweet-by-Zubana (with 3,353 followers) said “I began my journey in 2020, just a few days after the lockdown started, and I started taking orders. At that time, I was in my second year of graduation. It’s been three years since then, and Alhamdulillah, the response has been very positive all these years. I am incredibly grateful and indebted to the people for showing so much love and supporting my small business.
I believe in Allah and having faith, but more importantly, I believe in myself. We often fear taking risks, but it shouldn’t be that way. We should always make efforts for the things we love and be willing to go above and beyond to make things happen for us. I’ve learned that hard work always pays off.
The biggest challenge I faced then and still face today is running my business from home. Since I don’t have a physical shop, operating online is the only way for people to see my work. This often makes customers skeptical about the taste, texture, and quality of the products I bake. However, Alhamdulillah, I overcame these challenges by working hard and giving my best. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my lovely customers who trusted me and gave me a chance to prove myself. Their support has been instrumental in my success.
To anyone who reaches out to me about starting a small business, I always emphasize the importance of consistency and not losing hope. There will be days with plenty of orders, and there will be days with no orders at all. Both experiences teach you the value of money and hard work. Don’t be afraid to take risks because whether you win or learn, you can never lose. Every failure brings an opportunity to learn something new.
According to the prestigious Nasscom organisation, the number of women-led start-ups in India has experienced a remarkable surge, skyrocketing from 8% to an impressive 13% between 2014 and 2019. This substantial growth not only signifies the increasing influence of women in the entrepreneurial realm but also highlights the remarkable strides they are making. Recent surveys have unveiled a remarkable revelation: the number of women-owned businesses in India has soared by a breath-taking 20% over the past five years. This means that an ever-growing number of trailblazing women are boldly stepping into the world of business, defying norms and defying expectations.
Sana Aftab amazed the entire Valley by becoming first girl to create her own soap brand.
“My journey as the first soap maker girl of Kashmir has been an enchanting coincidence, born out of a simple scroll through Instagram during the lockdown. What began as a DIY soap making tutorial quickly turned into a passion for me. With natural herbs and oils sourced from the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, I embarked on the art of soap making, infusing the specialties of each district into my creations.
In my experimentation, I incorporated the essence of Pampore’s saffron, Sopore’s fertile soil, Tral’s pure honey, and Gulmarg’s vibrant leaves and flowers into my homemade soaps. The response I received was heartening, as these soaps resonated with people who appreciated the unique scents and the connection to the diverse landscapes of Kashmir.
Soap making has become more than just a craft for me; it is a celebration of Kashmir’s natural abundance and a way to share its treasures with the world. Each bar of soap tells a story, weaving together the flavors and fragrances of our land. I am honoured to be part of this journey, crafting customised soaps that capture the essence of Kashmir’s beauty and heritage.
https://instagram.com/mountainsoapcompany?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA
Many young girls have come forward to become Mehndi artists and makeup artist so that they can create their own identity Najmul Nisa is one among them “I am grateful for the opportunities that Jammu and Kashmir has provided to women entrepreneurs, especially Muslim women entrepreneurs. It has truly opened doors for us to flourish in our chosen professional careers. Being a self-made woman entrepreneur from Srinagar, I have always had a passion for the arts. Painting and sketching were my strengths during my school days, and I won numerous events showcasing my talent. Acting has always been my cherished dream, and I aspired to come to Mumbai, the ‘Mecca’ of Hindi films. However, being a Muslim girl from Kashmir, it was challenging to pursue my passion without strong family support. During the difficult times in Srinagar, when everything was shut down, I started applying mehndi to my family and friends for free. As I received appreciation for my beautiful designs, I decided to expand my business and started charging for bridal mehndi I am proud to be recognized as the first professional mehndi and makeup artist in the Chennab Valley, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar District, Doda. I now work throughout the entire city of Jammu and Kashmir.” Said Najmulnisa
https://instagram.com/bhaderwahi_koor?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA
Every business has its struggles and mine was no different. When I started all I knew was to bake, had no idea about marketing, sales, etc To be honest when I started, To my surprise I started getting orders instantly but then section 370 happened and it was me and my baking machine talking to each other. It was a difficult time as with no internet my business just came to halt. I used this time to hone my skills even further to make sure that I’m double-ready for the market when it opens. I also learned about social media marketing etc during the period.
All of this was initially really difficult for me and I can say that it wasn’t a cakewalk, literally.
As someone has well said that “Aspire to inspire before we expire.” passion is a bit hard to define but any one of us can recognize it once we find our true calling and I found mine in the year 2020.
In Kashmir many girls came out with their Instagram handles providing home-made bakery and customised cakes Lyka Khan is one among them while talking with Sabrangindia Lyka said, “Every business has its struggles and mine was no different. When I started all I knew was to bake, had no idea about marketing, sales, etc To be honest when I started, To my surprise I started getting orders instantly but then Article 370 happened and it was me and my baking machine talking to each other. It was a difficult time as with no internet my business just came to halt. I used this time to hone my skills even further to make sure that I’m double-ready for the market when it opens. I also learned about social media marketing etc during the period.
All of this was initially really difficult for me and I can say that it wasn’t a cakewalk, literally.
As someone has well said that “Aspire to inspire before we expire.” passion is a bit hard to define but any one of us can recognize it once we find our true calling and I found mine in the year 2020.
I can only describe it as an intense feeling of being drawn towards something. It is enough to like what you do for a living to make the hours fly by, unnoticed. However, when you’re passionate about your work, every goal is more easily achieved. The year 2020 was the beginning of my venture and Alhumdulilah in the year 2022 I introduced ‘Chandelier cakes’ which in itself is a big achievement. My unique way of baking has got me recognition and people have appreciated my work both for taste and design. This motivates me and I am never too tired and nothing about what I do seems tedious. This whole experience has been amazing and anyone just starting should remember “As long as you’ve got passion, and faith and are willing to work hard, you can do anything you want in this life.”
The perfect time to start your baking business or any business is RIGHT NOW! Don’t wait for the stars to align or for that elusive right moment to appear. Take that leap of faith, trust in your skills, and let your passion soar! Remember: every successful journey begins with a single step and your creations have the power to bring joy and delight to countless people embrace the challenges, learn from your failures, and keep refining your craft.
(Sadaf Shabir and Fahim Mattoo are both Multimedia journalists based in Kashmir their work has been published in leading news organisations they cover gender, conflict, education and culture)