Kounsars E-Rickshaw promotes women empowerment and campaigns against sexual harassment in Kashmir

As overcrowded buses are increasingly becoming the safest place for criminals to harass Kashmir’s studying girls and women, Srinagar-based Kounsar Jan’s initiative is proving effective against sexual harassment in public buses.

Women in Kashmir find it taboo to share their concerns with their family members and are reluctant to report the sexual harassment they face to the police. So they become silent victims of harassment every day on crowded buses.

However, 33-year-old Kounsar Jan is going ahead and starting an e-rickshaw service in Kashmir with the aim of curbing sexual harassment of women and making them financially independent.

However, 33-year-old Kounsar Jan is going ahead and starting an e-rickshaw service in Kashmir with the aim of curbing sexual harassment of women and making them financially independent.

Photo credit: Faizan Gulzar

In a society like Kashmir where all professions are largely dominated by men, a 33-year-old woman from downtown Srinagar is making headlines for breaking gender stereotypes with her sheer determination and choosing the male-dominated car driving profession.

Kounsar says women always face harassment in crowded buses, but the introduction of e-rickshaw services in Srinagar proved fruitful. “Every day, women in particular book my e-rickshaw, they encourage me and pay me more than a normal car fare,” she adds.

Nazima Akhter, 25, a law student, told Feminism in India that women are not safe on crowded buses in Kashmir. For them, seeing Kounsar’s e-rickshaw service in Srinagar is commendable. “I ride her rickshaw to my college every day,” Nazima said.

For them, seeing Kounsar’s e-rickshaw service in Srinagar is commendable. “I ride her rickshaw to my college every day,” Nazima said.

In recent years, the Union Territory of J&K witnessed 3,700 cases of crimes against women in 2022, which is the second highest number among the UTs after New Delhi. According to the National Crime Records Bureau new reportA total of 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were recorded in 2022, a sharp increase of 4% over the 4,28,278 cases reported nationwide in 2021.

Kounsar, who became the worst victim of domestic violence after her marriage, draws attention to the crimes against women while driving rickshaws from lawns and cities.

Photo credit: Faizan Gulzar

“Apart from earning money from the e-rickshaw, I meet the women who are facing domestic violence. “I make them aware to lodge complaints with various institutions,” Kounsar told Feminism in India.

Introduction of environmentally friendly means of transport

The transportation industry is considered a major contributor to air pollution, which is linked to higher mortality rates and increases the risk of cancer, heart and respiratory diseases. Given the devastating environmental conditions, Kounsar has set up environmentally friendly transportation at its own expense.

Kounsar’s initiative highlights a remarkable milestone for women in Kashmir. “My initiative aims to introduce eco-friendly transportation to protect the environment and promote women empowerment,” Kounsar told Feminism in India.

Their rickshaw is powered by rechargeable lithium batteries, which they say is a sustainable alternative to the traditional rickshaws and autorickshaws that largely rely on fossil fuels. Kounsar says introducing this eco-friendly alternative will reduce pollution in the city.

Kounsar says introducing this eco-friendly alternative will reduce pollution in the city.

Kounsar Jan’s journey to e-rickshaw driving is not only a story of personal success but also a testament to how women in Kashmir are breaking stereotypes.

No government support

Kounsar hoped the government would help her, but nothing happened. She pinned her hopes on UMEED, a centrally funded program designed to encourage women to become self-employed and self-reliant. “I wasn’t given anything,” she added.

Photo credit: Faizan Gulzar

Despite working to empower women, Kounsar did not receive a single cent from the government. Kounsar took a loan from the bank and started her journey.

She was the first woman in Kashmir to introduce e-rickshaw driving. Her husband is bedridden. With no financial support from home, Kounar brought an e-rickshaw car costing Rs 3,50,000. “I want to help all women who are interested in the profession.” “I want to teach other women how to become independent in society for free,” she told Feminism in India.

As a female e-rickshaw driver, Kounsar’s first ride in Srinagar city was shocking to everyone as people had not seen a female e-rickshaw driver in their entire life.

“I felt shy the first time I rode a rickshaw in the densely populated city of Srinagar. But most women preferred my car over others, which encouraged me to keep going,” she said.

Kounsar has been driving for two years and earns $500 to $800 a day.

Kounsar has been driving for two years and earns $500 to $800 a day. “The conflict within the family motivated me to take on this area. “I support my father-in-law and mother who were abandoned by their son because of my profession,” she added.

Photo credit: Faizan Gulzar

Kounsar hails from Chattabal in Srinagar and has completed eighth grade with a daughter. However, after a few years of marriage, she experienced domestic violence from her in-laws. “My brother-in-law threatened us. He also left his father. But I take care of everything at home and also support my husband and father-in-law,” she told Feminism in India.

Treat your work as worship, says Kounsar Jan

Kounsar says one should view his work as worship. She believes that hardships are a part of life. One must continue to work hard, with determination and determination to achieve the dreams. “We all have different goals and ambitions. If we take them seriously and take them seriously, we can achieve them at any cost,” she adds. Kounsar has never responded to the criticism and ridicule she faced in society, she always focuses on her dreams. “Those who mocked me earlier are now booking my e-rickshaw,” she said.

She says women have different skills, they can create employment opportunities for others and they should not be restricted in their career choices.

Photo credit: Faizan Gulzar

Kounsar started driving rickshaws with pride and dignity. She is happy with this work and adds that hundreds of women with college degrees are stuck at home in Kashmir and lack entrepreneurial skills. “I will teach free driving skills and the government has many, many programs to empower women financially,” she told Feminism in India.