Need to make rural Women economically self reliant

Women in Kashmir play a major role in Handicraft and allied sectors, yet their contribution is hardly recognised .The situation is quite appalling in rural areas wherein  women are unable to utilise  their skills  for generating income  .In spite of many programmes aimed at their empowerment, rural women lack access to these schemes and programmes. In these circumstances, she not only fails to avail opportunities but also get exploited easily. In these remote areas deplorable status of the women is a cause of concern.
There is need to empower rural   women to participate in decision making process. Organising women in to self-group can be first and foremost initiative towards their empowerment. Equipping her with necessary skills in the modern trades which could make them economically self reliant. Rural women are adept at various skills in embroidery like needle work.
However, there is need to have an emphasis on equal access to economic opportunities through self-employment schemes.Availaibility of various schemes will not serve its purpose unless awareness is generated among rural women about these programmes. It is here the role media comes to fore. Media can play key role in dissemination of this information while highlighting women oriented issues in rural areas. Concerted efforts are needed to ensure that benefits of training, extension and various programmes will reach them to make them more effective in their own area of operation.

Shazia Kanth, Khawja Bagh, Baramullah