By Ankit Patel

Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a major transformation as women take on key roles that drive the economy, society, and governance.

The ‘other half’ leads initiatives in rural livelihoods, startups, local councils, healthcare, education, and peacebuilding.

Communities witness the results of women who use creativity, leadership, and proactiveness to turn ideas into real impact.

Rural women are especially redefining economic participation.

Previously, the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission, Umeed, had introduced the Self-Help Group model to give women access to banking and credit. By 2025, the program reached 66 percent of rural households across 125 blocks, supporting around nine lakh families.

SHG-Bank Linkage programs increased average income by ₹1,272.719 per member and transformed household activities into structured business ventures.

International Women’s Day 2025 marked a historic moment as banks approved ₹100 crore in loans for SHGs in a single day.

This milestone highlights confidence in women’s ability to manage credit and grow enterprises.

Someone like Shabnam turned her embroidered shawl work into a thriving local business in Kupwara, while Jyoti used pooled savings to launch a retail and beauty venture in Mathwar that now provides jobs for other........

© Kashmir Observer