Defying the 1990s Turmoil, Sopore Woman Empowered a Generation

Suhail Khan

 

Sopore, Jan 08: For young women in the Kashmir Valley of the 1990s, a time when conflict routinely overshadowed hope, pursuing a dream was a distinct trial. Yet, Mehreen Pandith of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district turned that reality into her life’s mission: to make independence, dignity, and self-written futures possible for the girls around her.

 

For the past thirty years, Pandith, the founder of the Nazakat Mahila Mandal, has quietly transformed lives by training thousands of girls in skills that lead to sustainable careers and personal agency.

 

“I am from Meerut, where a sewing machine is a traditional wedding gift for a bride,” Pandith told Kashmir Convener in an exclusive interview. “I received one when I married and moved to Kashmir decades ago. That machine became more than a gift, it became a tool. It opened a door for me to be a source of hope, to train, guide, and help girls build successful futures. Today, by the grace of Almighty Allah, seeing them well-settled in their careers is my greatest reward.”

 

“I founded the Nazakat Mahila Mandal in the early 1990s with the clear objective of advancing women’s empowerment. Operating in Sopore at that time, especially as a woman initiating such work, was an immense challenge. But when you are driven by passion and purpose, no storm can truly block your path.”

 

“What began with a handful of girls from neighbouring villages learning cooking, beauty care, stitching, and fashion design has since blossomed into a full-fledged institution. The initiative’s credibility and impact grew, eventually attracting government-collaboration projects that expanded its reach.”

 

“The momentum built gradually. From a few trainees, we grew to hundreds. Today, these women are establishing themselves across various professional fields.”

 

The journey was not without severe social trials. “There were periods of intense suspicion,” she shared. “I was sometimes regarded with mistrust, even treated like a criminal. People would ask, ‘What is this woman doing? Why are girls gathering here?’ But I persevered because my aim was clear and pure: to empower. Why should women not dream? Why should they not shape their own destinies?”

 

She said, “Coming from an urban background, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering backing of my husband and my in-laws. They have been my pillar of strength.”

 

Today, with the support of my husband and in-laws, I have expanded my work beyond the training centre. I now also operate a cake outlet and a beauty salon, enterprises which employ many of the women I have mentored. Furthermore, I continue to offer free training to those seeking a foothold in a career.

 

True happiness for me is in the smiles of these girls—in seeing them absorbed in meaningful work, dreaming of and actively chasing a brighter tomorrow. It has been an honour to guide so many.”

 

“When your intention is sincerely to serve society,” Mehreen said, “you find that divine support and human goodwill align to aid your cause. To see our daughters now shine with confidence and purpose—that is the most beautiful outcome of all.”

 

She said that young women are now significantly more future-oriented. According to her, the peaceful conditions since the abrogation of Article 370 have accelerated this trend, empowering them to chase their ambitions. She added that a particularly encouraging sign is the increasing involvement of fathers in supporting their daughters’ paths to success.