In today’s Kashmir, the role and respect afforded to women stand as one of the most heartening reflections of our evolving society. Across towns and villages, women are seen enjoying dignified and fulfilling lives confident, empowered, and visible in every sphere. Many live in comfort, dressed in sophisticated clothing, adorned with jewellery, and often wrapped in graceful gloves and full-body coverings that mirror both elegance and tradition. Some drive vehicles through our bustling streets, balancing responsibilities with poise and independence.

Yet, alongside this picture of comfort and privilege, there exists another class of women—often unseen, unheard, but unmatched in strength and sacrifice. These are the fish wives and fishmongers of Kashmir. Their stories seldom make headlines, but their lives are a testament to courage in its purest form.
Their day begins long before dawn breaks over the valley. On freezing winter mornings, when the cold stings the bones and most homes are still wrapped in warmth, these women step out with determination etched on their faces. Leaving behind their families in the early hours, they walk through biting winds, carrying heavy baskets, driven solely by the needs of their children and the demands of survival.
Unlike others who may enjoy the ease of modern comforts, these women choose or rather, embrace a life of austerity. Not out of desire, but out of necessity. Their hands may not be adorned with gold, but they shine with the marks of honest labour. Their clothing may not be luxurious, but their struggles clothe them with an unmatched dignity.
They are economically different, enduring hardships far greater than many around them. Yet, they stand shoulder to shoulder with men, sometimes even taking the lead in sustaining their homes. They sell fish in markets, travel long distances, face harsh weather, and manage households single-handedly. Every rupee they earn carries with it a story of sacrifice and steadfastness.
These women are not just contributors to their families, they are the backbone. Their resilience keeps their homes afloat, their courage keeps hope alive, and their spirit reflects the true essence of Kashmir: strong, humble, and enduring.
In a society where many women thrive in comfort and modern independence, it is essential to also honour those who thrive despite hardship. Together, both worlds of Kashmiri women, those in luxury and those in labour, form the beautiful, diverse spectrum of womanhood in our valley.
Each story is different, but each one reminds us of the same truth: the strength of Kashmiri women is the strength of Kashmir itself.

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