Brick by Brick: Bhadarwah Women Build New Career Paths

Srinagar, June 30: In a groundbreaking move, women in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhadarwah are shattering stereotypes by pursuing training in traditionally male-dominated trades. For the first time, the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Bhadarwah is offering courses in masonry, building construction, and welding alongside conventional fashion designing programs for female students.

Over 150 young women are now studying alongside their male counterparts in 13 different trades, including seven engineering and six non-engineering disciplines. This initiative is part of the Union Government's 'Skill India Mission' and J&K's Skill Development programme.

Vivek Sagar Sharma, Superintendent of ITI Bhadarwah, expressed his enthusiasm about the development. "It's heartwarming to see girls showing such interest in trades traditionally considered male-oriented," he said. "Remarkably, females have even outnumbered males in courses like masonry, building construction, welding, electrical work, and motor mechanics."

Sharma added, "This exemplifies the success of the Skill India Mission in empowering women from this hilly and remote region. We're here to support them every step of the way."

The female trainees have voiced their gratitude to the government for this opportunity. They report feeling a new sense of empowerment and confidence as they excel in fields previously deemed exclusively for men.

This initiative marks a significant step towards gender equality in vocational training and employment, potentially reshaping the workforce landscape in Bhadarwah and beyond.