Suhail Khan
Jammu, Mar 7 : Gender gaps and barriers are fast vanishing for the women in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as the fairer gender can now access resources and decision-making opportunities more easily – with Jammu’s Ranjeet Kour being one such glaring example.
Ranjeet Kour, a resident of Kunjwani in the Jammu district, believed to be the woman auto-rickshaw driver in her area, is now an inspiration for many and seen as a respectable figure wherever she goes.
Talking exclusively with GNS, Kour said when nothing seemed to be helping her family, she one day decided to work shoulder to shoulder with her husband, as an auto-rickshaw driver. She said though it was difficult to convince him (husband) at the initial stage, but once he agreed, I without wasting time joined the Umeed group, from where I got financial help for e-rickshaw.
Kour said there is no shame in choosing any work. “When I am satisfied with this work and am able to help my family in a very good way, then why should I care about the taunts or criticism by people? “I believe no work is less than your God; once you treat it as worship, then believe me, there is always a fruitful result.”
She said I am now getting praises across the board wherever I go even by those who once used to criticize me. “Passengers are even more impressed with my courage now.”
“We all have our dreams and if we are passionate about them, we will definitely achieve success”, Kour says adding “However, along with all our hard work, a little help from others can just be the thing which one needs to fulfill his/her dreams and I am very thankful to the Umeed scheme because of which I am able to see happiness in my home.”
Ranjeet Kour stated that I earn between Rs. 1500 and 2000 on a day-to-day basis besides that I am now getting special bookings in the area.
“I would like to ask the women to come out of their homes and work to empower themselves for there is absolutely nothing that women cannot achieve”, Kour further said. (GNS)
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
