Opinion | Women Led Initiative’s in J&K in Various Sectors

The change in women’s status has been clearly visible after the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir. There are various reasons for this change. One reason was the continuous crisis and turmoil in Kashmir; another was the limited resources available to women and fewer opportunities in many sectors. However, in recent years, especially over the past decade, Kashmiri women have experienced tremendous change. The government has provided them with reservations and rights in various fields, along with opportunities to participate in other initiatives.

Women’s skill development initiatives in Kashmir have focused on empowering rural women through modern agricultural practices such as organic farming, climate-adaptive methods, and crop diversification. Related activities like dairy, poultry, and animal rearing further supplement their income, while value addition skills, such as cheese-making and handcrafted animal products, enhance household earnings. Training in water conservation and soil erosion control supports sustainable agriculture, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

Beyond agriculture, women’s skill development extends to cottage and handicraft industries where traditional skills in textiles, embroidery, and ceramics are honed through design, quality control, and market trend training. E-commerce and digital marketing education have expanded their reach to national and international markets. Women are also trained to start small businesses in food processing, tailoring, and home services, supported by financial literacy and collective entrepreneurship through self-help groups and cooperatives. Additionally, training as community health workers addresses healthcare access issues, while skills in sanitation and water conservation improve public health. In tourism and hospitality, women are equipped to work as tour guides, homestay managers, and local food providers, strengthening the tourism value chain. Renewable energy initiatives, such as training in solar panel installation and biogas plant maintenance, provide employment and improve energy access, collectively empowering women across multiple sectors.

Women in Jammu & Kashmir are increasingly participating in politics as voters, candidates, and leaders at both local and national levels. Their political involvement goes beyond symbolism, significantly influencing policymaking on critical issues such as healthcare, education, and women’s rights. Traditional cultural restrictions and gender biases that once limited women’s political roles are gradually diminishing. Awareness campaigns, education, and empowerment movements have played a key role in encouraging women’s active engagement in the political arena.

The impact of women’s leadership in governance is evident through the balanced perspectives they bring and their focus on addressing previously neglected issues. The recent District Development Council (DDC) elections marked a significant milestone, with women representatives actively working to improve local infrastructure, healthcare, and community welfare. These successful women politicians serve as role models, inspiring future generations to participate in democratic processes. Their presence promotes gender-inclusive leadership, which fosters more holistic and inclusive development across the region.

Women in Kashmir play vital roles in agriculture, horticulture, and agri-entrepreneurship, managing orchards, saffron fields, flower farms, and transforming barren lands into productive enterprises such as lavender farms. The growth of organic farming offers them premium market prices while promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, women engage in diversified ventures like mushroom farming, sheep rearing, beekeeping, dairy farming, and trout farming, which strengthen economic resilience and boost household incomes. Breaking traditional gender norms, women have also made significant inroads into male-dominated professions, such as becoming skilled practitioners of ‘waza’—the traditional Kashmiri culinary art—through targeted training initiatives.

Beyond agriculture, women entrepreneurs in Kashmir have launched notable local brands like Jamkle Jars (pickles), Tulpalav (clothing), Tiffin Aaw (food services), and wazir. C (fashion), successfully catering to local, national, and international markets. Increasingly, women are entering the tech and IT sectors as software engineers, web developers, and digital professionals, leveraging online platforms to access remote work and e-commerce opportunities. Despite challenges such as social conservatism and limited infrastructure, women continue to integrate into diverse economic sectors. Removing barriers to their workforce participation could boost productivity and economic output by up to 25%, while women’s control over household income contributes significantly to child nutrition, education, and overall community welfare.

Women in Jammu & Kashmir are emerging as powerful agents of change across multiple sectors. Skill development initiatives have enhanced agricultural productivity, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and the adoption of sustainable energy. Their increasing political participation ensures that women’s voices shape inclusive governance and foster community development. Economically, their contributions in agriculture, crafts, startups, and technology are transforming traditional gender roles and driving regional growth. Through resilience in the face of adversity, dedication to cultural preservation, and innovative spirit, these women have become key contributors to the sustainable development and social progress of Jammu & Kashmir.

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