Balhama, JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Sania Zehra (All pics by Basit Zargar)
It is no longer true that women in Kashmir cannot work or run businesses. As circumstances change, people’s mindsets are evolving as well. Nowadays, there is hardly any difference in how entrepreneurship is perceived by both men and women; they are working side by side and competing equally.
Breaking barriers and forging their paths in business, Kashmiri women are shining in vibrant colors. Another inspiring example is Sania Zehra, a 20-year-old resident of Balhama, who is a champion in beekeeping.
She is not only the backbone of her family’s longstanding business but also a shining example for her entire community. Sania said that beekeeping has been her grandfather’s business, which her father took over, and now she is in this line of work as the third generation.
A Kashmiri beekeeper, Sania Zehra, displays a beehive full of honeybees at a farm in Pampore, south of Srinagar. Zehra, a young girl from Balhama on the outskirts of Srinagar, is working to revive her familyÕs beekeeping tradition, along with her father. Beekeeping in Kashmir requires more care during the winter as temperatures drop below zero degrees, making the bee farming a challenge.
“In the beginning, I used to help my father, but I often felt bored and just tried to pass the time. I never thought I would develop an interest in it, but today I am so passionate that I handle everything from beekeeping to its marketing myself.”
She mentioned that the profits from the business have enabled her to grow further, and she is also involved in import-export activities. Sania reflected on why she chose beekeeping when there are many other businesses: “Beekeeping is mentioned in the Quran; it carries great blessings from Allah. It doesn’t matter that I am a girl; what matters is the capability to work. I believe that beekeeping is a respectable profession and also has healing properties.”
She acknowledged that no journey is easy, especially in Kashmir and for women. “I faced a lot of trolling at the start, even from close relatives, but Alhamdulillah, I never lost heart. I always tried my best to focus on my work, and today I am genuinely satisfied.”
Honey bees sit on the hand of a Kashmiri beekeeper at a farm in Pampore, south of Srinagar. Zehra, a young girl from Balhama on the outskirts of Srinagar, is working to revive her familyÕs beekeeping tradition, along with her father. Beekeeping in Kashmir requires more care during the winter as temperatures drop below zero degrees, making the bee farming a challenge.
Sania stated that not only does she earn a decent income, but her beekeeping business has also allowed her to expand into other ventures. “I produce beauty products, wax, and even green pollen from beekeeping.” She emphasized that the government is providing support for this business, and anyone interested can approach the concerned department to gather complete information about these schemes.
In her message, she said, “No job is too small. One should work with dedication and honesty, and Allah will bless even the smallest of efforts.”
The trend of women in business is on the incline in Kashmir. For centuries, women have battled a stereotype that involves staying home to cook, clean, and care for the family. However, a new generation of young female entrepreneurs is overcoming all the challenges. As per the figures, under the Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP), 14,943 projects have been established by women in the last three years. This initiative has played a vital role in promoting women’s participation in the workforce.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>Story / by Basit Zargar, Srinagar / November 19th, 2024