Capturing the tales of courage and change

He is a passionate journalist from Jammu and Kashmir. With a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, Rayees Ramzan is at present, working as a freelance journalist while also studying for his master’s degree. His upcoming project that focuses on the inspiring stories of “Women in Kashmir” made it possible for him to receive the Svran-Apeejay Journalism Foundation (SAJF) grant.

The SAJF initiative provides unrestricted funding, with four yearly grants of Rs 3 lakh each, distributed in monthly installments of Rs 50,000 over a period of six months. These grants empower journalists to deeply investigate and produce extensive stories that highlight the positive aspects of India and its regions across various media platforms, including print, digital, and video. To date, the foundation has awarded eight grants.

In a candid interview, he talks about his journey and the challenges he faced.

What inspired you to focus on the stories of women in Kashmir for your project?

My project stories based on Kashmiri women are inspired by the social changes I have personally witnessed for years. My upbringing has been in a patriarchal society where men’s efforts are valued more than those of women. However, women are defying all odds, not by rebelling against society but rather by demonstrating their excellence and success in various sectors like sports, journalism, entrepreneurship, politics, and singing. I’ve been motivated by the incredible tenacity and resolve of women who have disregarded social expectations to follow their aspirations. This change in the dynamics — more women are pursuing diverse careers despite the obstacles they face — kindled my interest in learning more about their lives.

How did you select the women whose stories you plan to showcase?

The mainstream media has already covered success stories about women empowerment in Kashmir, however, my focus is on the stories that have either been overlooked by them or from the fields where women are trying their hand for the first time, like the entry of a group of women into the traditionally male-dominated wazwan making industry. I also kept in mind the contributions of the women who are living on the extremes of Kashmir. Their stories have been less covered by the media.

What kind of impact do you hope to achieve with your stories?

My goal is to dispel myths and preconceptions to advance a more sophisticated comprehension of gender dynamics in the area. By providing genuine accounts of women’s experiences, I hope to encourage others and motivate them to stand up for what they believe in and follow their ambitions. I want to start a meaningful dialogue about women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment in the society at large. I want to encourage constructive social change by emphasising the necessity of institutional assistance, legislative changes, and cultural transformations to address gender inequality and advance women’s empowerment in Kashmir and beyond.

What are some of the challenges you have faced or anticipate facing while working on this project?

There is a significant fear of retaliation among women who choose to share their stories, as they may face social stigma or reprisals from conservative elements within Kashmiri society. Protecting the confidentiality of sources is paramount. I’ll give you a first-hand account. I had sent a proposal, based on the inspiring tale of a woman who opened her business. She was ecstatic to share her journey. When I arrived, her family prohibited her to face the camera. They claimed that if she appeared in any media, the locals would gossip that they were using their daughter on social media for her business promotion.                                                                                          

Despite the challenges, the project’s significance in shedding light on women’s experiences and contributions in Kashmir makes it a worthwhile endeavour. With careful planning, sensitivity, and perseverance, these challenges can be navigated to produce impactful and meaningful storytelling.

Can you describe your approach to storytelling in this project?

To effectively communicate the emotional and cultural complexity of these women’s stories via video, I love to build trust and provide a secure environment in which they feel comfortable sharing their stories. I delve into their stories through in-depth interviews, capturing the subtleties of their struggles and victories. This helps the viewers to relate with them. My goal is to produce deep and engaging storytelling that encourages communication, empathy, and understanding.

After completing this project, how do you see your work evolving?

I would love to keep my focus on topics related to social justice, empowerment, and narrative after this project is over. Although I have a strong commitment to elevating the voices of underrepresented groups in my community, I’m also willing to try new things and work on various projects that tackle important social concerns. I hope to advocate for good change and inspire empathy, understanding, and action through community-based initiatives, investigative journalism, and documentary filmmaking. But my overall objective is still the same — to use storytelling as a vehicle for empowerment and social influence, wherever it may lead.

How has the SAJF grant helped your cause?

Through the provision of vital financial support and resources to carry out my project on women’s empowerment in Kashmir, the SAJF award has played a pivotal role in furthering my cause. I was hoping to find funding for my project somewhere, and I was fortunate to receive this grant. Thanks to the SAJF, I will be able to interview people and create good-quality multimedia materials that will showcase the experiences and hardships of Kashmiri women.

How do you plan to engage your audience with these stories?

 I intend to use a variety of interactive features and multimedia platforms to create a captivating and immersive experience for my audience as I tell these stories. At the project’s conclusion, I intend to reveal the videos at an event in which I will invite senior journalists, the director of Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission, and the inspirational women whose stories will be featured in the project.