Want to know how the Kashmiri Girls Craft Their Way to Success with NRLM Support

When I was studying in 12th grade, I took admission in IGNOU . After that, I learned handicrafts. At home, there was no work to do, so I focused on mastering this skill. Later, the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) came to our village and encouraged us to start working. They motivated us by saying, “You should do something.” Alhamdulillah, now we earn on our own. We are neither dependent on our parents nor on our siblings. NRLM provided us with financial support — ₹15,000 to each group initially. Then we received a second support called the Community Investment Fund, which was ₹40,000. After that, the first installment of ₹1.5 lakh was deposited in our group account. With this help, we started our work seriously. We decided to stand on our own feet and be independent. We make bags, cushion covers, cotton suits, shawls, and many other items here. This work has been very beneficial for us. Firstly, we can work from home, balancing household chores along with earning a livelihood. Secondly, this work has given women a new status, respect, and recognition. Many of us are educated, yet unemployment is a major issue here. Therefore, working with our own hands and standing on our own feet is the best solution. This work has empowered us to bring pride to ourselves and our families. It encourages us to shine our own light and honour our parents with our hard work and achievements. We now realise that with determination and effort, women can reach new heights and create their own identity in society.