“It is not only about a business or starting an enterprise, but also about touching lives,” Mansi empathically said at the Talk Show hosted by HER-WORLD on Sunday the 27th of September. Mansi is a consultant and founder of MG Design School in Kashmir. She and her team have launched their own brands, organised exhibitions to show case their products, and created a legacy of confident female entrepreneurs over the years. The journey and work that she is engages with is fulfilling for Mansi.
Bringing new innovative ideas for intervention for public health is what drives Preeti Kashyap, a doctor with a focus on Herbal Medicine. This is particularly significant during this pandemic, when people are looking for alternative medicine that is reliable and organic.
Women in Jammu & Kashmir have also come a long way, not only in terms of economic empowerment, or finding a means for earning an income, but also taking a step forward in new digital platforms. Khushboo Matto Bhardwaj, a researcher, analyst and Head of Radio Mirchi, says that “ The majority of my staff are women,” which she says is an added advantage, and Khushboo believes that that pressure leads to more productivity, and then to liberated minds.
The duo Binish Khan and Omaira Khan founded CraftsWorld Kashmir. The idea is to revive some of the dying crafts and arts in Kashmir that have generated economic activity for a woman, especially those that are less privileged and disadvantaged. The two started off basically on their own.
A sense of solidarity and supporting one another, among women and within female groups was strongly emphasised by the moderator Rakhee Bakshee. The panellists believed that it would boost their morale. That as female entrepreneurs, who had to face tremendous challenges not only in terms of moral or emotional support, but more importantly in financial resources and raising capital. The panellists suggest that supporting one another, standing in solidarity holding hands, would be a huge confidence booster and strengthen each other’s strengths.
Khushboo opines that women must reach out to each other. She also came up with an idea of initiating an exclusive platform- such as a business conclave or a conference of women. Meanwhile Binish feels that ultimately it is one’s determination, commitment and hard work that will see them through the dark nights. One must strive to be self-reliant and independent.
In fact, when it comes to women, particularly in terms of venturing out, or for starting an enterprise, it is not an easy journey. Preeti shares that financial support or resources do not come without numerous hurdles. One must slog and move forward whatever be the tasks set before us.
Striving for success collectively and supporting each other is what has prominently been underlined by the panellists. That forging supportive networks among one another can create vital opportunities to achieve one’s dreams and perform better than one’s previous capabilities.
A platform such as HER-WORLD, where women speak about their work, share, and suggest new ways to emerge, is one way of moving ahead and up the ladder. Establishing such spaces for women can help in magnifying our voices and reaching a larger audience.
