Silenced voices and strained livelihoods: challenges faced by Kashmiri women entrepreneurs after article 370 abrogation

Objective This research endeavours to elucidate the ramifications of the communication blockade on women entrepreneurs operating within the Kashmir Valley in the wake of the protracted imposition of communication blockade in the region of Jammu and Kashmir following the unanticipated abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India. Participants The study assembled a cohort of 20 women entrepreneurs hailing from Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in Kashmir, utilising a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methodologies to ensure a comprehensive representation of participants. Data acquisition was carried out through a series of direct, semi-structured, and in-depth personal interviews. Method Employing an interpretive phenomenological approach, this qualitative inquiry transcribed the rich narratives gleaned from these interviews, elucidating a confluence of recurrent themes. Results The protracted absence of communication channels, extending indefinitely, precipitated a multifaceted crisis encompassing economic, social, and psychological dimensions, thereby significantly impacting the well-being of residents of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Conclusion The recurring themes encompass anger and frustration, loss of livelihood, helplessness and dehumanisation stemming from total communication blackouts.