Threads of Empowerment: Kulgam's Self-Help Sewing Success

Inside an uncluttered room of her two-storied house, located in the far-off village of Kund in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, Humaira Farooq along with a group of young women artisans sit side by side, each wearing a thimble on their fingers.

They are stitching different motifs on milky white fibre using crewel needles.

Crewel embroidery, a traditional craft known for its detailed and vibrant patterns, has transformed the lives of Humaira and her team. Once a simple art form, it has become a powerful means of livelihood for the group. Their work celebrates their cultural heritage and provides a recurring income, allowing them to improve their living conditions and invest in their future.

Through their craft, these women have attracted a good number of customers, gaining recognition beyond their outlying village.

"We manufacture handmade embroidered products including curtains, bedsheets, pouches, cushion covers and bags. They all have a way good market demand," said Humaira.
This success has empowered them economically and socially, promoting a sense of pride and independence.

"Each of us earns between Rs 7000 to Rs 10000,"said Humaira. Every day, the group begins its work at 11 am and finishes at 3 pm.

Humaira said that during four hours they earned enough to supplement the income of their families.

According to Humaira, the craft becomes a beacon of hope for other women in the community, inspiring them to pursue similar opportunities and contribute economically to their families.

The Initiative

In 2018, Humaira along with other women formed a Self Help Group ( SHG) following a social mobilization program by Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission( JKRLM)-UMEED.

The programme organised by a team of JKRLM officials  acquainted the local women about various programs and schemes offered by the department under UMEED.

“The objective of the JKRLM—UMEED is to engage  66 percent of rural population, provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities and support them till they rise out of poverty and achieve a decent quality life," said an official.

The official said that although Humaira belonged to a well-off family, she was aspiring to be economically independent and provide livelihood opportunities to others.

“Through her crewel embroidery initiative, she successfully led a group of women to the path of economic independence," said the official.

The group of young women told Greater Kashmir that they not only received economic assistance from the government but also got a chance to showcase their skills at various exhibitions.

Inducing change

Handmade bags produced by the Humaira-led Self Help Group not only provide these women with a sustainable livelihood but also promote positive behavioural change in society. The unique and attractive designs of these bags draw attention and encourage many people to choose these eco-friendly alternatives over plastic bags.

By opting for these handmade carry bags, consumers support environmental conservation efforts and contribute to reducing plastic waste.

This shift in consumer preference reflects the impact of local craftsmanship in promoting both the economic empowerment of women and greater environmental responsibility towards the community.

"By availing different schemes available under UMEED, one could not only earn a decent livelihood but also positively contribute to society," said Humaira.