The Centre for Women’s Studies and Research (CWSR), University of Kashmir (KU) in collaboration with the Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), organised a three-day Mega Exhibition of Women Entrepreneurs at the University’s Main Campus, bringing together around 100 women entrepreneurs from across Kashmir Valley.
The exhibition, being held in the lawns of the Department of Management Studies, KU aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and economic empowerment among women while providing them a platform to showcase their products and enterprises.
The exhibition features a wide range of stalls displaying handicrafts, handlooms, organic products, food items, fashion accessories and innovative startup ventures.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan, said, “Entrepreneurship is one of the most important pillars of women’s empowerment and economic independence. The University of Kashmir remains committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and startup culture among women. We will continue to provide every possible support, including mentorship, incubation facilities, skill-development opportunities and networking platforms to help aspiring women entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful enterprises.”
Prof. Khan also underscored the transformative role of women entrepreneurship in socio-economic development and observed that empowering women through entrepreneurial initiatives strengthens families and communities while contributing significantly to the overall development of society.
During her visit to the exhibition, she interacted with several women entrepreneurs and appreciated their creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Dean College Development Council (DCDC), Prof. Aneesa Shafi, Director, Institute of Home Science, Prof. Hummaira Azim; Director, EMRC, Prof. Salima Jan, Special Secretary to Vice Chancellor Dr Ashfaq Zarri, Chairperson, Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), Ms. Saba Bhat, besides other faculty members and officers of the University administration, who also visited various stalls and interacted with participating entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator, CWSR  Dr. Roshan Ara, said that the exhibition provides a valuable platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their talent, products and business ideas while connecting with potential customers, investors and collaborators.
She said that CWSR has consistently worked towards strengthening women’s economic participation and leadership and that such initiatives are crucial for promoting confidence, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among women.
The inaugural day witnessed the participation of faculty members, researchers, students, women entrepreneurs, representatives of various organisations and a large number of visitors from different sections of society.
Notably, several alumni of the University of Kashmir are among the participating entrepreneurs, using the exhibition as a platform to showcase their products, enterprises and entrepreneurial success stories.
The exhibition is expected to inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs while contributing to the broader goals of innovation, self-reliance and inclusive socio-economic development in the region.