Amritsar – The atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir is changing now.  While the people of Kashmir are getting aware of their rights, Kashmiri women entrepreneurs are also promoting their businesses by reaching Punjab and other states.  Where Kashmiri women were earlier not allowed to come out of the door of the house, now they are becoming an example for the women of India. These views were expressed by the business women who were here from Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the ongoing PITEX.

 Shahina Akhtar of Srinagar, who reached here to take part in the  ongoing 16th Punjab International Trade Expo in Amritsar, is giving employment to dozens of women along with her.  She  said that till a few years ago women were not allowed to work in Kashmir.  Now the thinking of the people of Kashmir is changing.  Earlier girls were killed in the womb, now the girls of Kashmir are becoming role models for the country.

Mehroon Bali, who came from Jammu and Kashmir, said that she used to make paintings.  Through Pitex, she has got such a platform where she can not only promote her product but can also earn money. 

Madihatlat brought  cosmetics to PITEX, made from organic and natural herbs.  She mentioned that till some time ago, she was confined to her house but now she has started going far and wide with her products and is also getting cooperation from the male members of the house.

Irfana, who reached here from Srinagar, said that the perception towards women must be changed.  The women who reached Pitex with their products are not only doing business worth lakhs of crores every year but are also providing employment to thousands of women.

 Meanwhile, Publicity and Exhibition Officer of Jammu-Kashmir Handicraft Handloom, Riyaz Ahmed Kaus said that only 20 stalls had come from Kashmir last year, which has increased to 70 this year.