By: SHAFIYA SHOWKAT
To make women self-sufficient is not just about granting financial independence or access to education—it’s about reshaping societal norms and perceptions that have held them back for centuries.
For a long period, we’ve witnessed continuous progress in every field of life. Whether it’s the lifestyle of people or their way of addressing various issues, everything has changed and continues to evolve. Yet, there is one aspect of our society that still demands deep thought and development: the status of women, particularly in Kashmiri society. Virginia Woolf, in her essay “A Room of One’s Own”, famously stated, “Women and fiction remain the unsolved problems.” She wrote this in 1925, and while it’s not surprising that women were in such a state at that time, it is deeply disheartening that this quote still feels relatable today. Even after nearly a century, women continue to face challenges as severe as they did back then.
No matter how hard a woman works or how many milestones she achieves, stereotypes and taboos often overshadow her accomplishments. Despite sacrificing her dreams for the betterment of her family, her efforts are rarely acknowledged. Instead, society deems it her “duty” to cater to everyone’s needs but her own. This ingrained mindset needs to change. How do we tackle this problem and restore the confidence shattered by this judgmental society? There is only one way: make women independent and self-sufficient so that they no longer endure negativity simply because they are being provided food and shelter.
To make women self-sufficient is not just about granting financial independence or access to education—it’s about reshaping societal norms and perceptions that have held them back for centuries. It starts with recognizing women as individuals with their own dreams and choices, rather than confining their identity to familial roles. True self-sufficiency arises from a blend of financial independence, emotional resilience, and societal acceptance—a goal that requires collective effort. In Kashmiri society, as in many others, the challenge is not merely to provide opportunities but to ensure women feel empowered to seize them. Education plays a pivotal role here. An educated woman uplifts herself, her family, and her community. Education, however, must go beyond academics. It should include life skills, confidence-building, and the ability to make informed decisions. Women need access to platforms where they can learn, grow, and showcase their abilities without fear of judgment.
But education alone is insufficient. Financial independence is equally critical. Women need opportunities to earn and control their resources. Initiatives like microfinance programs, skill-development workshops, and entrepreneurship schemes can open doors for women who might otherwise remain confined to traditional roles. Women entrepreneurship, in particular, has transformative potential. It not only provides financial independence but also challenges stereotypes and contributes to societal and economic growth. For Kashmiri women, entrepreneurship holds even greater significance as it intertwines economic progress with cultural preservation. By engaging in traditional crafts such as embroidery, crewel, and papier-mâché, women entrepreneurs are safeguarding Kashmir’s heritage while contributing to its economy.
Government schemes in Kashmir have played a pivotal role in fostering women-led enterprises. The “UMEED” scheme, launched under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM), has been instrumental in promoting women’s entrepreneurship across the region. It primarily focuses on forming self-help groups (SHGs), where women are brought together to share knowledge, resources, and skills. These groups serve as platforms for women to engage in various income-generating activities, particularly in rural areas where opportunities were previously limited. Through UMEED, women are trained in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business management, which has enabled them to establish small businesses ranging from food processing to handicrafts.
Moreover, the scheme has provided access to financial resources by facilitating women’s access to bank loans at subsidized rates. This has allowed many women to not only start their own businesses but also scale them. The success of this program is evident in the growing number of women entrepreneurs in Kashmir who have gained financial independence and are now contributing to the region’s economy. By empowering women with the necessary skills, resources, and confidence, UMEED has significantly reduced economic dependency and promoted social change, fostering a more inclusive and self-sufficient society.
The SAATH program is another significant initiative that has been pivotal in empowering women entrepreneurs in Kashmir. Focused on skill enhancement, SAATH provides specialized training to women, helping them develop both technical and entrepreneurial skills. One of the major advantages of this program is its focus on connecting women entrepreneurs to larger markets, both regionally and globally, through platforms like e-commerce and exhibitions. By participating in these digital and physical markets, women are able to expand their reach beyond local boundaries and gain access to a broader customer base.
Additionally, the SAATH program addresses the gap in digital literacy among women, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills needed to navigate modern business tools, manage online transactions, and market their products effectively. This digital empowerment is critical, as it opens up new avenues for business growth in a rapidly changing world. Through these interventions, SAATH has played a crucial role in breaking down the barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in the wider economy, especially in rural and conservative areas like Kashmir.
The ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative is a strategic scheme that has focused on promoting women-led enterprises in key sectors like horticulture, handicrafts, and other traditional industries in Kashmir. The scheme’s aim is to identify the unique strengths of each district and support local women entrepreneurs in leveraging these strengths to develop sustainable businesses. For example, women involved in the production of saffron, handicrafts, or local spices have benefited from the targeted support provided by the ODOP initiative.
This initiative has provided subsidies, interest-free loans, and financial literacy workshops, which have helped women overcome the financial barriers that often prevent them from starting or expanding their businesses. By focusing on local products with high potential, ODOP not only supports women in becoming financially independent but also helps preserve the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. The program has given women the tools they need to excel in competitive markets, encouraging them to produce quality goods and innovate within their fields. As a result, many women have successfully built businesses that are now recognized on national and international platforms, contributing to the local economy while fostering a sense of pride and empowerment. These three schemes represent significant steps towards uplifting women in Kashmir, offering them opportunities to break free from traditional roles and become powerful economic agents in their communities.
Despite these efforts, societal expectations remain a significant barrier. Women are often expected to manage both their households and careers, an imbalance that can deter them from pursuing entrepreneurship. For instance, when women return home from a tiring day at work, they are still expected to cater to their family’s needs, while men, in similar circumstances, are not held to the same standard.
Recently, I came across an Instagram post where someone commented about how women are treated as unpaid servants in their own homes. The comment asked why women take pride in working outside the home but feel tortured when they work inside it. This question, though seemingly straightforward, reflects a deeper societal misunderstanding that needs addressing.
It’s not ‘about where women work—inside or outside the home—but about being recognized and appreciated for their efforts, regardless of the space. Women can work in the home, doing dishes, laundry, and cooking, and that’s perfectly fine. The issue arises when these tasks are seen as her sole responsibility, while the same expectations are not placed on men. These are basic life skills, not gender-specific roles. It simply doesn’t make sense that a woman should be expected to feed people who are fully capable of feeding themselves.
When we talk about women entrepreneurship, we must also acknowledge the societal pressure that women face to maintain traditional roles at home. Many women are hesitant to start their own businesses simply because they fear they cannot balance household duties and professional aspirations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to redistribute household responsibilities so that both men and women can focus on their careers and pursue entrepreneurial dreams without feeling overwhelmed.
Promoting women entrepreneurship isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about creating an environment where women feel supported and valued. Schools and colleges should introduce entrepreneurship courses tailored for young girls, equipping them with the skills and mindset to innovate. Awareness campaigns at the grassroots level can encourage families to support women in pursuing their dreams. Lastly, mentorship and funding opportunities must be expanded to ensure no woman with a vision is left behind.
Entrepreneurship is not just about business; it represents empowerment, independence, and self-respect. By fostering women entrepreneurship, especially in regions like Kashmir, we can build a society where women are not only self-sufficient but also celebrated for their capabilities. It’s a step toward ensuring that Virginia Woolf’s words no longer reflect an unsolved problem but stand as a testament to how far we’ve come.
The author is a regular columnist and pursuing her Master’s in English at Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi.
Email: shafiyawani33@gmail.com
