In twin southern districts of Pulwama and Shopian, a remarkable shift is underway as young women are carving their paths beyond traditional roles, making significant strides in fields once considered exclusive to men.
From trout farming to commercial floriculture and craftsmanship, these enterprising women are rewriting the narrative of gender stereotypes and setting examples for others to follow.
Rafiya Jan from Owri gundTral area of Pulwama is one such woman who has walked on the nascent path.
She exemplifies resilience and determination as she carries forward her father’s legacy of Kandkari, the art of engraving motifs on copperware.
Despite initial struggles to support her family financially, Rafiya, supported by her husband and fellow talented artisans, formed a self-help group. With assistance from the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Rafiya and her group now run a successful enterprise, crafting intricate designs on copper utensils and inspiring others with their craftsmanship.
“We have been working as a SHG from past eight months and we have our own work, we earn a decent amount with which we support our families,” Rafiya said, adding that presently they engrave designs on copper utensils like plates used for serving food and tea.
They have ambitions of expansion in future. The ladies group has inspired many by their skills and craft.
In the realm of sports Jasia Akhter from Shopian district is a famous name not only locally but internationally.
A promising woman cricketer, she had excelled in domestic cricket leagues and earned recognition in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. Delhi Capitals had secured her auction rights for a decent amount.
Jasia dreams of representing the Indian women’s cricket team. Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, including being unable to secure a spot in the playing eleven during a national camp in 2017, Jasia’s determination and passion for the game remain unwavering.
Talking to Rising Kashmir on phone Jasia informed that she has secured a contract for Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League through Mohammedan sports Club.
The Shopian right handed batter has a contract with Goa Premier League too.
Presently, she is playing with Uttrakhand Cricket Club and is one among top run getters in senior women category.
Earlier Jasia played from Rajasthan state, Punjab, Trailblazers and India Reds.
The right handed batter started playing professional cricket since 2010.
Rukhsana Rashid, a school dropout from Newa village, has transformed his backyard farming into a thriving entrepreneurship venture.
Specializing in nursery farming, Rukhsana, along with her mother and grandmother, cultivates a variety of flowering and ornamental plants, earning a substantial income of over three lakh rupees each season.
“This is a profession where you don’t need to look for customers; they come to your house,’’ She said, adding that it only needs hard work. Rukhsana has customers from Maisuma and Dalgate areas of Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag. She also has customers through her brother who has set up a shop of vase flower plants in Pulwama market.
With customers flocking to her doorstep and support from government initiatives and institutions, Ruksana success highlights the potential for women in agriculture.
