Netizens shower praise, some sceptical, as Kashmir’s first female drives auto rickshaw

11 July 2024

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*Kounsar Jan carrying passengers in Srinagar city.*

Srinagar, July 11: Social media spaces, especially Facebook and Instragram, are abuzz in Kashmir as a young woman from Srinagar broke social barriers to become the first woman in Kashmir to drive an auto rickshaw.

Elsewhere in J&K, in 2022, Seema Devi from Jammu city became the first woman to drive e-rickshaw. She was followed by Meenakshi from Bhaderwah town in December 2023.

*Meenakshi from Bhaderwah town in J&K started driving an auto rickshaw in 2023.*

Kounsar Jan’s decision to take up this profession has reportedly come as a response to her husband’s illness, compelling her to support her family financially. While an overwhelming majority of social media commentators are appreciating Ms Kounsar for her bold step, some voices are also expressing scepticism, criticizing the larger social support systems in Kashmir for failing to address the unique needs of financially struggling women in Kashmir.

Applause and support

Kounsar’s initiative has been met with an overwhelming amount of support from various quarters. Trade union leader Ishtiyaq Qadri expressed his encouragement on Facebook, saying, “Keep up the good work! BRAVO.” Similarly, Awami National Conference leader Muzaffar Shah extended his congratulations and blessings, emphasizing the importance of such trailblazing efforts.

Er Manzoor Nawchoo praised Kounsar’s determination, noting, “Great of her. We need to appreciate and encourage such an honorable woman who defies all the social impediments to earn for her and her family. Allah shall be pleased with her. May she progress in her job to prosper high.” This sentiment was echoed by many who viewed her actions as an example of bravery and a shift towards economic independence for women.

Sadiq Banday highlighted the nobility of Kounsar’s work, stating, “Only brave female hearts will do it. Allah likes such persons most who prefer Halal earning than to beg. May Allah benefit you & flourish your job.” Mir Sameer added, “Great thing you have done, young lady. Don’t listen to the people who say women are only supposed to be at home and produce children. You have decided to be independent and support your family. God will help you.”

A call for societal reflection

While many have lauded Kounsar’s courage, others have pointed out the underlying societal issues that necessitated her decision. Sanif Mir expressed a somewhat perspective, stating, “Neither appreciate nor criticize this act, just understand that we have failed to create a system which should have stopped a sister from coming into the open market. Now we can’t blame this sister because it’s our fault, not hers.”

Sheikh Fawzan underscored the insufficiencies within the Muslim societies in developing social support systems, remarking, “This shows the insufficiency of our Muslim society, where we are only constructing tall Minarets of masjid but we are not paying our Zakaat and Sadaqaat to poor people of our society. This is the bitter truth.”

Mixed reactions and future steps

The reactions from netizens also reflect a mix of pride and concern. Mona Wafai, for instance, appreciated the need for economic independence among women, saying, “Hats off. Under present circumstances, we need to teach our daughters to be economically independent. Because only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.” Manzoor Mir added, “Let our women be brave, not timid and beggars. A great initiative taken by this lady. Best wishes to her and her family.”

Wani Tawseef acknowledged the broader implications of Kounsar’s decision, stating, “Women are breaking the social obstacles that do not allow them to grow and empower. She has done a great job.”

However, Owais Ahmed cautioned against overlooking the root causes of urban poverty, which he believes are driving such decisions. “While each one of us hails it as a great start in women empowerment, let’s agree that given the choice, she wouldn’t be on the road driving this unsafe vehicle. None of us want to see our sisters drive this thing, so before we begin praising it, maybe it’s time we acknowledge the issue of urban poverty that’s hollowing us out.”

Ghulam Hassan Dar praised Kounsar’s step as a preferable alternative to low-paying private sector jobs, stating, “Very great step, bundles of congratulations. It is a hundred times better than doing a job for a 3000 to 5000 salary in the private sector and remaining bound. I salute her dedication and talent.”