By Dr Shoaib Hameed
Razia is a twelve-year-old girl from Phullawai Danna, a small village in the Neelum District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. She was born deaf, just like her mother and three of her siblings, and she cannot speak either. Her father is unwell and unable to work, which makes life even harder for the family.

But despite all these challenges, Razia has always carried a dream in her heart to do something meaningful for her loved ones. Living in a remote mountain village with few opportunities, that dream often felt far away. Until one day, things began to change.

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With support from the UK Government’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) and Gurez Conservation and Sustainable Organization set up a Women’s Vocational Skill Center in her village. The center was equipped with sewing machines, fabric, scissors, and everything the women needed to learn stitching and embroidery.

The training lasted six months, from October 2024 to March 2025, during the long, snowbound winter when women have fewer outdoor chores. Two local instructors, Nadia Bibi and Nargis Bibi, trained thirty women, including Razia.

Razia was the youngest of all the trainees, and the only one with a disability. At first, no one was sure if she could keep up. But soon, she surprised everyone with her focus, quick learning, and determination. She picked up techniques just by watching closely, and soon became one of the best in her class. Her instructors were especially amazed by her curiosity, not only in stitching but also in repairing the machines themselves!

When Eid-ul-Fitr arrived, the skill center turned into the busiest place in the village. Women rushed to get new clothes stitched, and Razia proudly stitched her very first outfit for her mother. Her mother wore it with joy and pride, while Razia went on to sew clothes for her siblings and relatives, saving her family thousands of rupees.

When I met Razia at the certificate distribution ceremony, she was glowing with happiness and confidence. She no longer saw herself as just a differently-abled child, she now believed she could ease her family’s struggles and even become their main support.

Razia’s journey is just beginning. She still dreams of owning her own sewing machine so she can serve her community and grow her skills further. With continued support and encouragement, there is no doubt she will become a successful entrepreneur and a source of inspiration for the entire valley.