Share certificates given to women artisans

In a significant move to empower women artisans in Jammu and Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir (DHHK), distributed share certificates to women owners of the Noor Aari Crafts producer company in the Noorbagh area of Srinagar on Friday.

According to a spokesperson, Noor Aari Crafts was established in 2020 under the Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) not to only foster sustainable livelihoods but also highlight the strength and entrepreneurial spirit of women in the region.

The spokesperson further explained that the producer company was formed as part of a rehabilitation project initiated by the J&K Government and supported by the World Bank. “It has played a pivotal role in reviving traditional crafts while creating better market opportunities for artisans,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company is entirely managed by women, symbolising a powerful representation of women’s empowerment in the area.

Director Mussarat Islam praised the artisans' dedication, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improve opportunities for women in the handicrafts and handloom sectors. "Noor Aari Crafts is an outstanding example of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. The government is proud to support initiatives that not only preserve our traditional crafts but also empower women to achieve financial independence and make meaningful contributions to the economy," he said. He also stressed the need for diversifying and modernising designs to maximise business potential.

The distribution of share certificates marked a major milestone for the artisans, symbolising their ownership and active participation in the growth of Noor Aari Crafts. “This initiative ensures that women are not just wage earners but also key stakeholders and decision-makers in their enterprises,” the spokesperson noted.

Through skill development, financial inclusion and improved market access, the administration continues to strengthen the socio-economic landscape of the region, the statement added.