Empowering Change: Pakeeza Nazir Champions Women in the Walnut Industry
Kupwara, Jan 31: Pakeeza Nazir, a young woman from Ganderbal has become a beacon of hope for women folk in Kupwara. Pakeeza, a trainer at a walnut processing unit in the Anderhama Drugmulla area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has changed the lives of many young girls by inculcating among them the valuable skills of walnut-based products.
Pakeeza has turned out to be a true inspiration for these young girls, extending them the prospect of becoming economically independent and most importantly rendering them the opportunity to learn and make their own identity in society.
Pakeeza while talking to Greater Kashmir said that she has been training the young girls for the last two years at the Jazba Agri Unit, supported by TYCIA Foundation, SIDBI, Ananya Birla Foundation, and the Indian Army which paves the way for them to explore their creativity and develop practical skills.
Pakeeza trains the girls in making different products including walnut chutney, walnut choco rocks and walnut dates. She ensures that the girls receive the best possible training so that after the completion of training they can become inspiration for others and can set up their own units. “Since we have been receiving good response so in the coming months, we will be introducing more walnut based products with the result the trainees will be extended to further skills and opportunities.
“I have always yearned to do something good for society and most importantly for women’s empowerment. This initiative has offered me an opportunity to tread the path of my taste. Our goal is not just to teach the girls how to make walnut products, but to give them the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in life. This unit is a place of learning, growth, and empowerment,” she added.
The girls undergoing training at the unit are ecstatic for getting the opportunity to become self-reliant. “Following completion of graduation, I was sitting idle at home then I came across about this walnut processing unit. I was lucky enough to get associated with it. After receiving training for few months, I am now able to set up my own unit,” said Farhat Manzoor a young trainee girl of Drugmulla.
Locals are also happy with the initiative setting ways for young girls to become economically independent. “The walnut processing unit has turned out to be a vital one, extending opportunities for girls of the area to build a brighter future for themselves and their families” said Pirzada Zubair a local from Anderhama Drugmulla. (GK)
