Building Dreams: Shopian's female contractor carves a niche in male-dominated industry

Shopian, Jan 14: Khushboo Jan alias Kushi Khanday proudly points towards some lanes, soakage pits and springs she has constructed in recent years.

Each piece of work seems perfectly executed, serving as a testament to her ability to break the stereotype in a traditionally male-dominated workspace.

Hailing from Mastopra, an outlying village in south Kashmir's Shopian district, 23-year,-old Kushi has been working as a contractor for the last four years.

According to her, the financial strains in her family spurred her to leave education halfway through and explore livelihood options.

"I searched online about the schemes that the government offers to unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir," said Kushi.

She said that she learnt about a host of schemes and after careful consideration, she chose to step into the field of construction--a male-dominated workspace.

" In a fit of anger, I had told my brother that now I would compete with men," said Kushi

She finally registered herself with the Rural Development Department to participate in the tendering process at the Panchayat level. Following this, Kushi began receiving the contracts and over the last four years, she constructed around 25 soakage pits, two springs and dozens of lanes and drains in her area.

"It is not only about breaking the barriers but also efficiently serving my community," she said.

Kushi provides livelihood to half a dozen workers including masons, labourers and scaffolders.

Her work has been recognised by the district administration and Rural Development Department, awarding her certificates of appreciation on several occasions.

District Development Council ( DDC) member and prominent political activist Raja Waheed told Greater Kashmir that the young contractor serves as a role model for women.

"It is truly inspiring to see a young girl from a remote village breaking barriers," said Waheed.

He said that she works with full dedication and consistently strives to exceed expectations in everything she does.

Apart from working as a contractor, Kushi is actively involved in social work in her village.

She helps the young girls in her community by mentoring them to pursue education and develop skills for a better future.

She even accompanies the women from her area to medical facilities to ensure they receive better treatment.

“I strive to serve my society to the best of my ability,” says the young contractor," says the young contractor.