Women From Kashmir Fight All Odds To Make It To The Lakme Fashion Week 2019

According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate for the women of Jammu and Kashmir lags well behind the literacy rate for men. Within that, the literacy rate for urban women is better than that for the women of rural Jammu and Kashmir.

A Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) report found that in 2017, Jammu and Kashmir had the highest unemployment rate in India, just above 12 per cent - higher than the national average at the time of 4.7 per cent.

To rediscover the hidden talent among Kashmiris, especially women, in November 2018, the USHA Silai Label set up a garment design and production cluster in Kashmir. 17 women were selected to prepare samples for ace designer Rohit Bal and then work on the Silai Label. It is now time for feedback from the designer on the samples.

Designer Rohit Bal meeting women working on four samples sent by him and giving vital feedback. Mr Bal thinks women have done a great job, but considering what they are being prepared for - the Lakme Fashion Week, there is still a long way to go.

'I would give them six on 10', said Rohit Bal.

Based on samples, the final team for the production of the Silai Label was selected and final production for Rohit Bal's line begins at Usha Silai School in Srinagar, but challenges tagged along. It's the start of the Chilai Kalan, 40 day period when winters are at their harshest in Kashmir.

'Because of the harsh weather women often come late and leave early. Sometimes they fall sick, and sometimes we do. Deadline is fast approaching and challenge has doubled up with 10 additional garments to be prepared, but we are trying', said trainer Virendra.

To meet the deadline and overcome the problems associated with harsh weather, Usha had to shift its production center from Kashmir University to Gurgaon.

'Center was set up in Kashmir University and women had to travel six to seven km every day. Because of snowfall and poor electricity, it was becoming difficult to work at a fast pace and we had to shift the production center. I think it will prove to be fruitful', said Priya Somaya, Executive Director, Usha Social Services.

As production is at the final stage, the final garments will reach Rohit Bal's studio with their creators ready to take center stage at the Lakme Fashion week 2019.