Shah Hilal
In the remote village of Mowera, Pahalgam, a quiet transformation is taking place. Mehreen Jan, a local woman, is helping women in her community gain financial independence by involving them in handicrafts.
Having studied only up to the 10th standard, Mehreen saw many women in her village sitting idle at home, with no means to support themselves.
Determined to make a difference, she started teaching them embroidery and other crafts, creating new livelihood opportunities.
“I started giving work to the ladies who sit idle at home and are illiterate. Even I have not studied much, but I wanted to support my family and help others secure their future,” Mehreen said while speaking to The Kashmiriyat.
Her initiative has received support from the Social Welfare Department, which offers various schemes for skill development. Mehreen credits the department for helping her expand the work and encourages others to explore similar opportunities.
“There are many schemes in the Social Welfare Department, and I am very thankful for them. Even after studying, many people in Kashmir remain unemployed, but this department offers a way for those who want to secure their future,” she added.
So far, dozens of women in Mowera have benefited from this initiative, and the program continues to expand. As more women join, the effort is not only creating jobs but also bringing financial stability to many families in the region.