Srinagar, Dec 3: Women entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir are leveraging digital platforms to establish their presence in the business world. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the region now has 82 women-led start-ups, a significant increase from 12 in 2019. This growth reflects a gradual but notable shift in the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Shahida, a 55-year-old homemaker from Srinagar, turned her passion for knitting into a business called The Yarn Boutique. Encouraged by her daughter, she started selling hand-knitted woollen products on Instagram in 2020. “I have been knitting since I was a child. My mother taught me, and it has always been something I enjoyed,” she said. During the COVID-19 lockdown, demand for handmade products increased, helping her expand her customer base. Today, her Instagram page has over 2,500 followers and earns well.
Shahida shared that her husband supported her by buying a knitting machine, but she continues to prefer crafting by hand. “Hand-knitted items last longer and are more comfortable,” she explained. While managing her household responsibilities, Shahida ensures she dedicates time to her business. “I plan my day to balance both my home and work. It keeps me engaged and productive,” she said.
Aisha, 20, a student from Illahi Bagh, started her candle-making business, The WickWorks, while still in school. “I loved making things at home,” she recalls. Encouraged by friends, she turned her hobby into a business, starting with ₹4,000 from her savings.
Her innovative approach to personalized candles quickly gained popularity. “I wanted to offer something special,” Aisha says. Her venture now attracts customers from various parts of the Valley, giving her financial independence. “I don’t need to ask my parents for money anymore,” she proudly states. Although the market has become competitive, she remains optimistic, saying, “If this doesn’t work in the future, I will try something new.”
Ayat, 19, from Srinagar combined her passion for silver jewellery with entrepreneurship to launch Silver Swirls by AIM. She started her business in June after researching designs and wholesale prices. “I wanted to earn my own money,” Ayat explains.
Despite a slow start, she remained persistent, gaining support from family and friends. “Hard work pays off,” she believes. Ayat balances her studies and business while dreaming of opening a store to bring her customers’ ideas to life. “With my family’s support, I believe I can achieve this,” she says.
Women-led start-ups in the region have received ₹1.55 crore in funding through the Startups India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). Additionally, loans under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) have provided access to much-needed capital. Programs like the Women Capacity Development Programme (WING) have also offered financial training and support for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Access to markets is limited, and frequent internet disruptions in the region affect businesses that rely on digital platforms. Social barriers also persist, making it difficult for some women to fully explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Shahida, Aisha, and Ayat represent a broader trend of women in Kashmir entering the business world despite these challenges. “It’s not just about earning money; it’s about using our skills and doing something meaningful,” said Shahida.
As the number of women-led start-ups in Jammu and Kashmir continues to grow, these ventures are playing a role in reshaping economic participation in the region.
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